Swiss national handball coach Andy Schmid humorously advised Danish coach Nikolaj Jacobsen to rest star player Mathias Gidsel before their upcoming match. The friendly rivalry between the two coaches reflects their long-standing friendship, rooted in shared experiences from their playing days. As Schmid navigates his first World Cup as a coach, he values Jacobsen’s mentorship and insights. With a challenging match on the horizon, Schmid acknowledges Denmark’s strength while expressing a desire for a more relaxed approach during games.
Swiss National Coach Sends a Playful Message to Denmark’s Nikolaj Jacobsen
As the Swiss national handball team gears up to face the formidable Danish squad, renowned for their three-time World Championship and Olympic victories, coach Andy Schmid playfully addresses his Danish counterpart, Nikolaj Jacobsen. With a wink, he suggests, “Keep Gidsel out against us; he looks tired.” Mathias Gidsel, celebrated as the world’s top handball player, is a key player for Denmark. Jacobsen’s response is swift: “You can forget that.”
This lighthearted exchange is typical of the camaraderie between Schmid and Jacobsen, who often engage in friendly banter. During the World Cup opener, Switzerland managed a draw against the Czech Republic, resulting in a sarcastic remark from Jacobsen about a “goal festival.” Schmid replied, hinting at the complexities of qualification for the main round, a challenge Switzerland ultimately overcame, earning them the chance to compete against Denmark. This matchup, set for Thursday at 8:30 PM, is a long-anticipated dream for Schmid, showcasing not just a competitive spirit but a close friendship as well.
A Journey from Players to Coaches
In Denmark, Jacobsen is a household name, frequently recognized on the streets by fans eager for a selfie. Having led the national team to victory in the last three World Cups and clinching Olympic gold in Paris last summer, his accolades are impressive. Conversely, Schmid is navigating his inaugural World Cup as a coach, with his team participating through a wildcard entry. He acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “We both know which opponent we are facing. We are not bantering on equal terms.”
Reflecting on their shared history, Jacobsen recalls a time fifteen years ago when he was an assistant coach at the Danish club Bjerringbro-Silkeborg, and a young Schmid, then just 25, was adjusting to life as an expatriate player. Their connection blossomed as they communicated in German, thanks to Jacobsen’s Bundesliga experience, and they frequently discussed strategies and tactics, both equally passionate about handball.
Schmid credits Jacobsen for recognizing his potential, asserting, “If I hadn’t been a good handball player, we wouldn’t have become friends.” After being named the Most Valuable Player in the Danish league, Schmid transitioned to the Bundesliga, but their bond remained strong. Four years later, when Jacobsen was appointed head coach of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen, Schmid advocated for him, helping him acclimatize to a new environment.
Under Jacobsen’s leadership, the Löwen secured two championship titles, while Schmid earned the Most Valuable Player title five times. Their relationship evolved into a mentorship, with Jacobsen guiding Schmid’s development as a coach. Even as Jacobsen focused on his national team role, their friendship endured, encompassing discussions beyond handball.
Now, with Schmid at the helm of the Swiss national team, he values Jacobsen’s insights and advice. With Jacobsen’s innovative tactics, Schmid strives to emulate a similar unpredictability in his own team. Jacobsen’s honest feedback has been invaluable, as Schmid remarks, “Nikolaj is brutally honest with me; that is worth its weight in gold.”
As they prepare for a highly anticipated match, Schmid recognizes that anything less than a victory for Denmark would be an upset. Yet, he wouldn’t trade places with Jacobsen, admitting that he sometimes envies the relaxed demeanor of his friend on the sidelines during games. Schmid muses, “I would also like to sit on the bench with my arms crossed for twenty minutes and enjoy the game like Nikolaj.”