After the dismissal of Gerry Fleming: Kloten’s sports director is now also a coach

Was it not an option for these skilled assistants Rintanen and Martikainen to take over the coaching job for the time being?
No, we are convinced that three coaches are needed on the boards. This was evident in last year’s situation with Jeff Tomlinson’s health problems. Kimmo and Saku have already done a lot, sometimes more than assistants usually do. But it takes a head coach to get the message across. That was Tomlinson’s strength. If I can do as well as he does, we will have a similar situation to last season.

As a team leader you are responsible for recruiting players who have not yet been able to perform optimally. Now you have to inform them as a trainer. A risk if it doesn’t work out?
I haven’t signed two-thirds of the players, but that applies to a third. Everyone can judge for themselves who delivers and who doesn’t. For some it is very clear. But it doesn’t matter who signed who. Because a coach is expected to get the best out of the team available to him. And that he makes the players better. I am aware that being a coach is not the same as being a sports director. The fact that I held the dual mandate for the first three years in Augsburg and that we were successful encourages and motivates me. And then I didn’t even have an assistant coach.

Do you see a disadvantage of the double mandate?
One disadvantage is that there is only one Larry Mitchell, but there are many jobs to do. Therefore, this is not a long-term solution, as the dual mandate has become a major challenge. Christian Dubé from Friborg proves that it can work, but it undoubtedly requires a huge effort.

Are there any benefits?
Yes, I have been here for 13 months and watched the players. I can say that I know their strengths and weaknesses. And therefore being able to press the right buttons so that they can achieve their top performance. The biggest challenge for a coach is knowing which players need the whip and which need hugs.

When do you want to introduce a new trainer?
I can’t answer that now. We determine the class schedule together with the club management. My phone has been ringing all morning. It’s amazing how quickly this happens. But one thing is certain: it won’t be a quick fix.

Has the relegation battle already started for Kloten?
I said at the beginning of the season that in my experience the second season after promotion is more difficult than the first. You have to keep in mind that you can take one of the last two spots. But our goal remains to get away from these places that are in danger of being relegated.