By Peter Bang Overby

There is more focus on the coach and higher expectations to his skills than previously.

This was the conclusion reached by three star coaches from the Danish league in a debate arranged by the Danish sports press association. The role of the coach was discussed by sports reporters and the coaches Ulrik Wilbek (Viborg HK), Christian Dalmose (Ikast-Bording Handball) and Morten Fjeldstad, who coaches the Bjerringbro team in the Danish men's handball league.

Ulrik Wilbek emphasised the paradox that the coach has more people working under him such as goalkeeper coaches, etc. but still the coach himself must take on more specific jobs than was the case earlier. Today, a coach needs skills in management, the hiring of new players and media management.

Morten Fjeldstad from Bjerringbro HK agreed. He explained that even though the coach has many helpers, it is still the coach alone who is responsible if the team is not successful.

This responsibility is also obvious during televised matches. Usually, the coach is followed closely by a camera. We need to remember that as coaches, Christian Dalmose established. Hesitantly, he referred to an episode a year ago when he felt the media's treatment on his own body after having shown his enthusiasm in front of GOG coach Bent Nygaard.

30-40 Danish sports reporters attended the debate, which was held at the Euro 2002 press centre by Arenaen in Århus.