As Marco Sturm is switched on, feels Karl Schwarzenbrunner only as an accessory. “You’re an interview crasher. Now no one wants to listen to me anymore,” says the national science and education coach jokingly after the surprise guest Tenth episode of the “Coach the Coach” podcast revealed – and Sturm laughs. In the end, the former national coach liked the spontaneous meeting so much that he didn't want to end the humorous conversation.
“I don’t even want to hang up right now. Can't we talk a little bit more?" Sturm replies to moderator Julia Eisenrieder as she begins his farewell. “We’re welcome to chat some more,” she says DEB-Speaker in trainer training and so the lively conversation continues for a while. Addressing Marco Sturm, Karl Schwarzenbrunner ultimately comes to the conclusion with a smile: “If our click numbers go up, it’s because of you. But sometimes it’s important that someone makes me look good.”
Of course, Schwarzenbrunner and Sturm are guests of the current one DEB-Podcast episode doesn't spend most of its time with jokes, but also discusses the diverse requirements of a modern-day coach, looks back on points from Sturm's career and talks about how the native of Lower Bavaria is doing in the NHL in his role as an assistant That's how it works with the Los Angeles Kings.
“I can only always mention it,” says Sturm at the same time: “My time with the national team was always very nice. We started something that was a lot of fun.” And this culminated in the historic Olympic moment in February 2018 in South Korea. “The mix was right, that was the crucial thing. We were a unit - and then you see what you're dealing with Cohesion and team spirit can move,” recalls the 42-year-old.
In the podcast, Sturm also explains how he was always faced with difficult personnel decisions in the national team. “It was always hard for me because I know what it feels like from my playing days. Ultimately, as a coach, it is my job to make the decision that is best for the team,” he says and also emphasizes that “honesty” is particularly important here and that it is important to be open with the player. For Schwarzenbrunner, this is one of the central aspects of training. “Competence, empathy, listening, athlete-centered thinking” In his view, they are key factors for a successful coach. For example, coaches must be able to “explain briefly and succinctly why you do something,” which is what players demand today.
Sturm, who is spending the summer at home, feels in good hands in California and praises Kings head coach Todd McLellan as a teacher. “What I’m experiencing is sensational. I can and want to continue learning before I take the next step,” says Sturm, who has also long since learned how to deal with criticism. “In America you get criticized a lot. You earn a lot of money and play in the best league in the world. “You have to deliver every day and if you don’t, you’ll quickly become the bogeyman,” he says, also saying with regard to his professional career: “I had to learn a lot and put up with a lot, so it’s no longer a big problem for me as a coach.”
Ultimately, Sturm advises all young coaches who are just starting out in their development to be true to themselves and not to let themselves be bent. "You should go your own way and stay who you are," he says - and adds: "But of course you also need a plan and a goal and you have to work hard for it. Otherwise you won't get anywhere in this business."
Here Let's go to the podcast episode with Marco Sturm and the other host Karl Schwarzenbrunner