Denmark’s dominance in handball offers valuable insights for Germany, especially after their quarter-final disappointment at the World Championship. The German team faces pressure from high expectations, impacting their performance. Coach Alfred Gislason emphasizes the need for better youth development in clubs, as many talented young players lack sufficient game time. Additionally, Germany must improve teamwork, tactical integration, and emotional engagement to enhance their competitiveness in future tournaments.
Denmark’s Handball Superiority: Lessons for Germany
Denmark continues to set the standard in handball, showcasing a level of excellence that appears hard to reach for other nations. However, Germany has valuable lessons to glean from the Danes and other teams, especially in light of their recent performances at the World Cup.
Germany’s Quarter-Final Experience: A Catalyst for Improvement
Despite the disappointment of a quarter-final exit against Portugal during the World Championship hosted by Denmark, Croatia, and Norway, there is a silver lining. The German team can approach the upcoming European Championship and the 2027 World Cup in Germany with a lighter mental load, which the players themselves have referred to as a ‘backpack.’
The pressure stemming from the expectations after winning Olympic silver seems to have negatively impacted the German players’ on-court performance. Throughout the tournament, Alfred Gislason’s squad struggled to find their rhythm, often appearing burdened by expectations rather than playing with the freedom and joy that typically characterizes successful teams.
While they managed to secure victories against Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy, and Tunisia, the joy of the game was noticeably absent. Left winger Lukas Mertens expressed his desire for thrilling matches, yet the excitement seemed to fade during critical moments.
In contrast, ARD expert Dominik Klein praised the Italians for their infectious joy during the tournament. He noted how the Italian team played with a carefree attitude, which starkly contrasted with the weight of expectations carried by the Germans. His podcast partner, Johannes Bitter, celebrated Portugal’s remarkable performance, emphasizing the emotion and fun they displayed, elements that were lacking in the German squad.
Interestingly, while Italy and Portugal entered the tournament with little to lose, the pressure on Denmark and Croatia as co-hosts and three-time consecutive world champions was immense. Yet, these teams thrived under pressure, revealing that they either embrace it or use it as motivation, a crucial point for German sports psychologists to consider as they prepare for the home World Cup.
Developing Talents: Insights from the Danish League
National coach Alfred Gislason highlighted a significant difference in player development between Denmark and Germany, particularly concerning the domestic league. In Denmark, players often gain years of competitive experience at their clubs before transitioning to bigger leagues, allowing them to develop essential skills and confidence. He emphasized the need for German clubs to provide more opportunities for young talents to gain valuable playing time.
While there are exceptional young players in Germany, like Renārs Uščins and Marko Grgic, many struggle to get adequate game time in the top leagues. Gislason’s trust in youth could be improved, as evidenced by Grgic’s limited playtime during crucial moments of the tournament.
Beyond managing pressure and nurturing young talents, there are other areas for Germany to enhance. Jogi Bitter expressed disappointment regarding the team’s overall teamwork, noting a lack of collective flow that is vital in high-stakes tournaments.
Dominik Klein pointed out both tactical and mental shortcomings, stressing the need for better integration of wings and a more dynamic backcourt play. He also highlighted a deficiency in emotional engagement and body language, which should be a focal point in analyzing their performance.
Additionally, the management of player workload raised questions. Gislason acknowledged the difficulties of balancing preparation with the tight schedule of the Bundesliga and international competitions. In comparison, Danish MVP Mathias Gidsel played extensive minutes throughout the tournament, while German stars were rested but still didn’t appear at their best during crucial matches.