Wednesday, 16. October 2024 | Interview with Max Kaltenhauser - Interim coach of EHC Red Bull Munich
Interview with Kaltenhauser: “All I care about on Friday is that we beat Augsburg”Our interim coach on his coaching style and the derby against Augsburg// INTERVIEWMax Kaltenhauser has been interim coach at EHC Red Bull Munich since last Saturday. In his first interview in his new role, the former assistant coach talks about the change of roles, his way of coaching and the upcoming derby weekend.Max, the 5:4 win in Bremerhaven was a real nail-biter. Longest away trip, victory in a penalty shootout, hardly any preparation time. How did you find your debut as interim coach?
Kaltenhauser: "Fortunately, we're still playing ice hockey. So none of this was unfamiliar to me. My role has changed, of course, but the boys have taken to me well."
When you scored, you went to the boards and high-fived the players. You don't often see that in the DEL. Did that come out of emotion or did you plan it?
Kaltenhauser: "I used to do that in Regensburg, so it was more of a reflex. Suddenly I was standing at the bottom and thought: 'Oh. Can I do that? But then I was already there and would have found it unfair not to do it for every goalscorer. The boys all said straight away afterwards that they thought it was good. That reassured me (laughs)."
Highlights: Pinguins Bremerhaven vs. EHC Red Bull München (13.10.2024)
How would you describe your coaching style? The action conveys that you want to meet the players at eye level.
Kaltenhauser: "I firmly believe that ice hockey is a game for the players. In the end, as a coach I have the last word - and I also stick my neck out for certain things. But I'm not a coach who wants to coach from above. The coach is there to prepare the players for the games in the best possible way and to help them perform at their best. So it's always about the players and not about me as a coach."
How do you want to improve the players?
Kaltenhauser: "I want the players to enjoy playing. With passion and fun. You can have fun on and off the ice if you work hard. That's what I try to convey and exemplify - and so far the boys are doing a great job."
Away from your coaching role, how would you describe yourself as a person?
Kaltenhauser: "I'm definitely honest. Down-to-earth and friendly, at least I hope so, even if I can be grumpy sometimes (laughs). I'm always there for my family and those around me, but also for my squad family. These are all values that I want to pass on to my players."
Is it fair to say that you value the fact that Max Kaltenhauser the person is also Max Kaltenhauser the coach?
Kaltenhauser: "I fundamentally believe that it is not a recipe for success to pretend too much for a role or function. Your professional and private personalities shouldn't be too far apart. And copying someone doesn't work anyway."
Would you still say that you have role models as a coach?
Kaltenhauser: "It's always difficult to judge from the outside, but there are many things that I appreciate about Jürgen Klopp. We certainly share a common enthusiasm. His approach to the players is great and shows that you get something back when you give a lot."
The first thing that came to your mind was a soccer coach. Do you like to learn from other sports and adapt aspects for your ice hockey?
Kaltenhauser: "Absolutely. One example: I watched a documentary about the All Blacks, the New Zealand national rugby team. There, the players were always involved in the tactics. In the end, it's the coach's decision, but it's never wrong to talk to the players. It's much more natural in rugby than in ice hockey."
Now you have a derby weekend coming up. As a native of Bavaria, what is it like for you to start your new role with these emotional duels?
Kaltenhauser: "I know that these are very important games for the fans. We will do everything we can to give the fans derby victories. But that doesn't just apply to the two games. We have to be winners or develop into winners. This means that we must not be less motivated in the other games than before the derbies. Then we'll win too. But now, next Friday, all I care about is that we beat Augsburg."
Of all things, the game against the Augsburg Panthers is also your first home game as interim coach. What do you expect from the atmosphere in the SAP Garden?
Kaltenhauser: "Of course, it's always great when the stadium is full, the fans give their all and are loud. But to be honest, I'm probably fully focused on the game. It was the same in Bremerhaven. I don't really know what the stadium looks like from the inside. But without question, I'm really looking forward to the game on Friday!"
Mit Video
VIDEO: Day for the history books! Documentary on the Grand Opening Game// GRAND OPENING
Red Bull Munich releases Söderholm - Kaltenhauser takes over as interim coach// PERSONAL
Arrival, entrances & digital services: Everything you need to know before the SAP Garden Opening // SAP GARDEN
Mit Video
VIDEO: Day for the history books! Documentary on the Grand Opening Game// GRAND OPENING
Red Bull Munich releases Söderholm - Kaltenhauser takes over as interim coach// PERSONAL
Arrival, entrances & digital services: Everything you need to know before the SAP Garden Opening // SAP GARDEN
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