The new national coach: André Rankel in an interview

What does it feel like to be the national coach? What thoughts go through your head?

"It feels great to finally be able to start. I'm incredibly excited. I can't wait to begin work. I'm feeling the excitement and I'm looking forward to everything that's to come."

What was your main motivation for taking on this task?

"Being the head coach of the German national ice hockey team is something very special for me. I want to help us to embark on a successful path together. That alone is motivation enough. I have the will, the passion and the pride to give everything for the national team."

What do your next few weeks look like? What things do you want to tackle first?

"First of all, I want to get to know everyone. It's important to me that we establish a connection and build trust. Everyone here should feel like they're part of our journey. Then I'll talk to the players and visit them at their facilities. The lads should also get to know me personally. I'll also be exchanging ideas with the coaches and management of each club."

In addition to your successful career at the Eisbären Berlin (Including seven league titles as an active player) you also played 76 international matches (including seven World Cup appearances, the Vancouver Olympics). Which moment in DEB-What jersey do you remember most vividly?

"There are definitely several moments. The first is, of course, my first international match. I was actually a striker, but I played my first international match as a defender. I'll never forget that. And the 2010 World Cup opening match in Gelsenkirchen. We beat the USA back then and created a huge wave of euphoria. I still get goosebumps when I think back on it. Now I'm even more excited to be there again next year."

You mentioned the game in Gelsenkirchen. Is that precisely what makes the national team so appealing – arousing enthusiasm that Fans To take along and bring an entire country behind you at such a tournament?

"Yes, of course. That" DEBIn my opinion, the team is the most important thing to ignite such enthusiasm and to encourage children to play ice hockey. If I can contribute to our success and create even more excitement, we'll be even more Fans I would be very happy if we won and children came to play ice hockey.”

Looking back at the recent events of the national team and looking ahead a bit: Is enthusiasm already a factor for you at the beginning?

"Enthusiasm is a big word. Of course, we want to inspire people with the way we play ice hockey. But first and foremost, my job is to meet the players personally and then ignite that fire in them. We have to rekindle the belief that we can achieve something as a national team. If we succeed in that and perform accordingly, then I'm convinced that we can also..." Fans "To inspire more again."

Is there a key factor for success in assembling a team, and an ingredient that is always needed?

"I'm someone who always talks about a process. About something we have to do today to end up where we want to be. That's why culture, identity, and certain standards are so important to me. That's the foundation on which we build everything. We have incredibly good hockey players. Now it's about us being a team that pursues a common goal and subordinates everything else to it."

Communication is a frequent topic of conversation these days. How much has this aspect changed from your perspective?

"I think communication is the most important thing these days. The players need to know who I am and what I stand for. But it works the other way around too. Only then can I address each player individually. You can't treat all players the same. Of course, there are values ​​that everyone has to bring to the table. But if I don't know the individual, I can't help them improve. That's why communication is absolutely crucial."

As an honorary national coach for the U18 team and with the return to the top World Championship division, you already have an insight into the DEB I received it. Will that help you get started in your new task?

"The trip with the U18 team and this success were a great experience for me. Seeing how the boys grew individually and as a team, and ultimately reaching their goal with jubilation, was incredibly wonderful. And that has already helped me to get to know the structures here and to understand how certain things work."

What do you think will be the biggest difference between working in a club and now at DEB Will you succeed as national coach?

"I'm just going to let things unfold naturally. At the club, I'm there every day, with the players. I train with them and build a connection that way. It's different with the national team. But it's part of my job to create that here too. That's one of the challenges for me. I want to create a daily routine that benefits everyone."

In sports, and especially in ice hockey, you work daily with different personalities who have to become a cohesive unit. How appealing is it for you to be part of a team?

"I'm a total team player. I believe that's the only way to be successful. Of course, I'm a coach now and I set the direction. But it's extremely important to me to make everyone feel like they're an important part of it. In the end, every tournament and every year is like a new beginning. New players join, others leave, there will be changes. It always starts from scratch, and that's a great challenge."

Was it always clear to you that you wanted to remain involved in ice hockey in this way after your active career?

"When I was still playing, I said I would never become a coach. No chance. But when I looked into everything a bit, I quickly realized that this is what it's for me. I get immense enjoyment from building an identity, working with players, seeing them grow and the team grow – and ideally, achieving our shared goals. Walking this path and taking on a leading role is very fulfilling."

Finally, let's move away from daily work for a moment. How do you switch off and clear your head in your free time?

"When I actually have time, I really enjoy road cycling. Otherwise, I'm a team player here too and I like spending time with my family. That's the best thing there is."