The memory of the 2021 World Championship quarter-final still stings for Swedish handball star Jim Gottfridsson. The image of the Egyptian jersey, the Tele2 Arena, the agonizing injury – it all remains vivid. During that pivotal match, Gottfridsson’s hand became entangled in an opponent’s jersey, resulting in a severe injury that forced him out of the tournament. Sweden, harboring medal aspirations on home soil, lost their key playmaker and ultimately finished a disappointing fourth. Gottfridsson refers to the incident and its aftermath as the low point of his career, a sentiment fueled by the lingering effects of the injury and its subsequent impact on his performance.
The injury sidelined Gottfridsson for several months, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. He admits that even after recovery, he struggled to regain the peak form he enjoyed before the incident. This dip in performance also affected his club career at SG Flensburg-Handewitt, a team he had been instrumental in for over a decade. For the first time, Gottfridsson found himself relegated to the bench, a situation he attributes to a clash of philosophies with then-coach Nicolej Krickau. The strained relationship, stemming from tactical disagreements and a perceived lack of trust, left Gottfridsson feeling marginalized and ineffective, a stark contrast to his accustomed role as the ”coach’s extended arm” on the court.
The dismissal of Krickau and the subsequent appointment of Ljubomir Vranjes, a former Swedish national team coach, brought a welcome change for Gottfridsson. He regained his starting position and found himself revitalized under Vranjes’ leadership. However, the change came too late to alter his decision to seek new challenges elsewhere. Despite the improved circumstances at Flensburg-Handewitt, Gottfridsson had already committed to joining Hungarian club Pick Szeged for the following season. This move not only offered a fresh start after twelve years in Germany, but also reunited him with Michael Apelgren, the newly appointed Swedish national team coach, creating a promising environment for both club and country.
The transition in the national team setup also brought an element of surprise. Glenn Solberg’s unexpected resignation as head coach left a void, marking the end of a successful era that saw Sweden secure three medals under his guidance. Gottfridsson expresses his gratitude for Solberg’s trust and the opportunities afforded him, acknowledging the significant role the Norwegian coach played in his development and achievements. Now, with Apelgren at the helm, Gottfridsson is determined to contribute to a successful transition and establish a strong foundation for the team’s future. He sees the upcoming World Championship as a chance to demonstrate his continued value and silence those who question his longevity at the top level.
The upcoming World Championship carries significant weight for both Gottfridsson and the Swedish national team. With the absence of the injured Felix Claar, Gottfridsson is poised to assume a more prominent role as the team’s primary playmaker. He embraces the increased responsibility and the anticipated rise in playing time, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase his enduring capabilities. At 32, he dismisses notions of decline, emphasizing his ambition to reach the 200-cap milestone for Sweden, a testament to his continued commitment and drive. Apelgren, the new national team coach, recognizes the importance of Gottfridsson rediscovering his best form, acknowledging the crucial impact it will have on Sweden’s chances in the tournament.
Despite facing challenges such as key injuries, a new coaching staff, and a demanding schedule, Gottfridsson remains optimistic about Sweden’s prospects. He believes the team possesses a strong core of experienced players capable of rising to the occasion and delivering decisive performances. He also highlights the injection of youthful enthusiasm within the squad, a factor that can provide an added spark. While acknowledging the inherent desire for a medal, Gottfridsson suggests that a slightly lower-profile approach might actually benefit the team. He sees the opportunity to operate without the weight of excessive expectations as a potential advantage, allowing the team to focus on their performance and build momentum organically. He believes this “underdog” mentality could foster a more relaxed and productive environment, ultimately paving the way for a successful campaign.
