“We must not endanger the economy, but at the same time we must continue to develop the team” – Sport – svenska.yle.fi

One plus one became two when Ola Lindgren and the Handball Association sat down and negotiated. Both parties were interested in a new contract and an agreement was reached.

Ola Lindgren could continue in the job he’s had in Finland since 2019. On Monday it became official that the Swede has signed for another two years as captain of the national team.

As previously reported, the federation’s finances and participation in the World Cup qualifiers were big issues and Lindgren wanted to know how the national team’s operations would continue. When the pieces fell into place, he was able to sign the contract.

– We have to relate to where we are. We must not jeopardize our finances, but at the same time we must continue to develop the team and give players the opportunity to play international matches. If there is no qualification, Lindgren tells Yle Sporten we will still have work and play international matches.

It is not yet clear whether Finland will participate in the 2025 World Cup qualifiers.

– The matches themselves are the most important, and at the same time the qualifying matches are different from the exercises. Hopefully we can get involved, Lindgren says, but that’s the union’s decision.

How big is the critical question for you?

– I was a little surprised like everyone else, and a little disappointed when it came out and the news doesn’t send any positive signals. For players, being in the playoffs is a carrot and motivator.

– Even if we can’t mathematically challenge the big countries, the matches are very developmental. If you look back and compare to the first matches against Denmark and Macedonia, we really showed in the last European Championship qualifiers that the distance is shrinking. He says we are doing something right and it is important that we keep it going.

The size of handball in Finland is a concern

For Lindgren, it is important to create a good coaching culture in Finnish handball and give players the conditions to invest in the sport.

The amount of training should be increased and the physical fitness should be improved. Handball is so fast that we have to have a completely different stamina in matches to be able to play in a way that allows us to compete.

– Many pieces are upgradable. We might have saved ourselves a bit by going 7-6 and taking chances to get into the games, he says.

At the same time, the size of the branch is a matter of concern to the guild leader.

– The competitive position should be increased because it is not enough. He says it is very easy to choose a band because the selection is not that big.

In recent years, Ola Lindgren has appointed Teddy Nordling as assistant coach and John Holfast as goalkeeper coach. The next task for the association is to secure personnel and Lindgren would rather have a Finn at his side than bring in knowledge from Sweden.

It is important to have local roots because I live in Sweden. I watch matches online, but Teddy had an important job and watched special things that I asked for, says Lindgren.