After Kloten’s series of bankruptcies: will sports director Mitchell now fire coach Mitchell?

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The EHC Kloten in the downward spiral. He is in danger of losing contact with the competition. After six bankruptcies in a row, the pressure has increased. In his dual role as sports director and coach, which he has fulfilled since the dismissal of coach Gerry Fleming (56, Ka) on November 19, Larry Mitchell (56, Ka/De) is currently forced to take charge of several construction sites: the team will get him back on track as a trainer until he has found his perfect successor as head coach.

Blick: A question for the team leader: how long do you see yourself as a coach?
Larry Mitchell: We regularly discuss the trainer situation. This week there will be discussions with Jeff Tomlinson and Anjo Urner (the managing director, editor), in collaboration with the sports committee, who is also on the board, and with coaching candidates. It’s not easy, at this stage of the season there are good coaches under contract somewhere. Our plan after Gerry Fleming was fired was to start the talks after the holidays, regardless of the results.

Does athletic director Larry Mitchell have any patience with coach Larry Mitchell?
Yes. I have always emphasized that we should not forget who we are and where we come from. As a newcomer with limited financial resources, everything has to come together to be in the top 10. We fought to avoid getting into a playout spot. And we will not give up on this goal.

The current sports crisis with six defeats in a row puts more pressure on you when looking for a new coach, doesn’t it?
No. I have been working as a trainer or sports director since 2005. There is always pressure to achieve certain goals. If you win or score, it decreases slightly. And after such a string of defeats, it’s legitimate that he’s a little bigger. Yet quick shots never led to anything. A quick shot would also be the wrong signal for EHC Kloten. When changing coaches you have to find the right person who you are convinced can turn the tide.

But is there a need for action?
There is a need for discussion. This decision is not made by one person. As athletic director, Larry Mitchell does not alone decide how long Larry Mitchell will remain coach. When I took over, the results were satisfactory. It’s true between the team and me. It would be remiss to just hire someone new now who would jeopardize this.

How do you, as a coach and as a sports director, analyze the current crisis?
Not different. Both are sporty features. Individual mistakes and penalties cost us games and points. But actually it’s about the mental aspect. We must manage to maintain high self-confidence and confidence in our abilities.

Source : Blick