The visit of the Emperor as a door-opener

Sometimes a question mark with a single image right.

In December, Toni was presented söderholm in Germany as a national team coach. He was followed by the popular Marco Sturm, who had led the Team in 2018 in Pyeongchang to Olympic silver. Söderholm was not the first choice, he had previously worked at SC Riessersee in the third highest League as a head coach. Ironically, such a little high-profiled professional Trainer should take storm's heritage. Of course, doubts have been sown. The German hockey Federation (DEB) has threatened a harvest of mockery.

There is a Parallel to Patrick Fischer's office in Switzerland. Also, Fischer was a controversial one, his Successes modestly. He countered the critics with national pride and identity, what söderholm, a Finn with Swedish surname in Germany more difficult. But there was just this anecdote, this image. Söderholms father worked for BMW as an Attaché in Finland. In this capacity, he was supervised by representatives of the German football Association (DFB), if you traveled to the North to attend games. One day Franz Beckenbauer was on the way to Turku at the Söderholms stop. It came to a snapshot: on the left of Beckenbauer, in Germany, at least the Emperor, to the right of the little Toni.

Söderholm had told the story already in 2016 as a defender in Munich. After his election to the national coach of the photo made national the round. Prompt was given, Söderholm now rare, the fix solution, more of the "fins-Toni", a Fan of Emperor Franz and a great trainer of talent.

And now, at the world Cup, leads söderholm with Germany after four games and four Wins the group in Kosice. The participation in the quarter-final is to take even more. Nevertheless, Söderholm was following the ground-breaking 3:2 against hosts Slovakia, miss brave. "I'm happy with the result. But the way, as played, we will no longer be enough. And this action against Moritz: Which makes me angry."

The SCB-Coach as a Mentor

The coach Seider thought of the Check by Ladislav Nagy against Moritz: late, behind, close to the gang, only with two minutes sanctioned. Seider remained semi-conscious. He should be able to join in the next Match. The exceptional talent, like striker Leon Draisaitl for the future of the German hockey . Seider has made to the world Cup, already has two goals – as a defender, with 18 years of age. This was achieved the last time a Finn: Reijo Ruotsalainen in 1978.

this Ruotsalainen has shaped the Swiss ice hockey. He led SC Bern to three titles, ran on the skates himself backwards faster than his shadow. Also Söderholm has a past in the SCB; he defended from 2005 to 2007 in Bern. And in the young history of success of the Trainer Söderholm is also the current SCB Coach plays a role: Kari Jalonen. The two know each other from a common time for IFK Helsinki, as Söderholm under Coach Jalonen as the Captain acted. Now Jalonen is his country man in Kosice to the side. He may see himself as a Mentor, says Jalonen. "I will exchange myself with Toni over the opponents, Trainings, parts of him my observations."

The 59-year-old Finn keeps much of the 18 years of younger colleagues: "The Germans were a Team of disciplined craftsmen. Now a new Generation is coming, the talented, creative and fast on the skating shoes. The old and the New: Toni brings together the two elements."

As for the Swiss, the exams are coming up for the Germans against the top teams of the group but still. "We give more Gas," said Söderholm. With the best world Cup-Start of a DEB-selection since 1930, the "Finns Toni has set" a exclamation mark.

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 17.05.2019, 00:14 PM