EHC Red Bull München coach Toni Söderholm in interview

Wednesday, 02. August 2023 | EHC Red Bull München coach Toni Söderholm in interview

Söderholm before start of season: "Mood is very good!"Our new coach in the big interview// INTERVIEWThe 2023/24 season is getting closer and closer. Before the first ice practice on August 10 with the entire team, our new coach Toni Söderholm talked in detail about his first impressions, the season goals and our new additions.

Toni Söderholm (coach Red Bull München) ...

... about his first impressions of the team: "So far, my impressions are very positive. Currently, it's all about planning for the coming months. We'll ramp up the intensity starting next week and then start ice training with the whole team. The guys look good, the mood among players and coaches is very good."

... about his goals: "For me, it's important that the sporting side matches the new arena we're building. A state-of-the-art stadium is being built here in the form of the SAP Garden. We have to look that also we as a team always offer ice hockey on a top level. Our team has many experienced and excellent players, we no longer have to teach them what it's all about. The team structure is intact, everyone brings a good mentality. If we work well every day, we have chances for a very long season. We'll start with the Champions League. That's where I'd like to finish in the top four."

... about his idea for the game: "Defensively, we will play a bit differently than in the past. We've tried three styles of play in training so far, from which we want to create a mix. Red Bull München always has the ambition to be game-leading."

... about newcomers Dominik Bittner, Markus Eisenschmid and Nico Krämmer: "I'm glad that I already know the guys from the national team. I can trust them, which is the most important thing for a coach. We got a trio with the right attitude. They have different characters, but they are all very determined and take responsibility."

... about new defender Adam Almquist: "He brings new playmaking qualities on the left defensive side. In addition, we also have a left-shooter with him in overtime. He is a calm character who further balances the team. In addition, he brings a lot of experience."

Toni Söderholm spricht über die Zukunft der Red Bulls und den SAP Garden

// INTERVIEW

... about the squad depth: "I believe that everyone will get their time. The past has shown that you rarely go through the season with a complete squad. Recovery phases are also important with the large workload this year."

... about the captain's armband: "We have a very strong leader for this team in Patrick Hager. There is no doubt that he is the right captain for this team."

... about his connection to the club: "The hope of returning one day was always there. I've always felt very comfortable here and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given here. Don Jackson and Christian Winkler recognized the coach in me before I even thought about it myself. That gave me a real push. Even as a co-coach, I've always had a say here and been able to contribute my ideas."

... about the influence that the construction of the SAP Garden has on the players' way of thinking: "The SAP Garden is certainly also a topic in the team. What is being built here is a motivation for every player to still play here next season. It makes the competition for the regular spots a little tougher. You saw with Champions League winner Tappara Tampere what kind of traction a new stadium can bring."

... about ice hockey development in Germany: "The sport has grown in recent years. Germany has a higher status in European ice hockey than it did eight years ago when I moved to Munich as a player. In the meantime, Germany is getting better and better players who have high standards. And there is still a lot of potential."