Thomas Holmgren.
Photo: PER WIKLUND / BILDBYRÅN
Eric Björk.
Photo: PER WIKLUND / BILDBYRÅN
Falun’s men’s team did indeed take the 14th straight SM medal. An impressive suite.
But when the final is held at Friends Arena this weekend, Falun is not represented.
The Dala team was eliminated in the semi-finals. A tough defeat – as earlier in the season they have lost both the final in the Champions Cup and in the Swedish Cup.
Sports director Rickard Hedlund is clear that it did not go as planned.
– We are far from satisfied with the results of the season. By our standards, this is a rock bottom season given the squad we had. The grade is failing, I would say. There are mitigating circumstances such as turbulence with the economy. I don’t know how much it affects in the end. We have become a bit “fat and happy”.
The club is currently in the middle of an analysis of the 2023/24 season.
– We are working on it right now. We see through everything. Cultural work, physical status, coaching staff, players… Everything. We will probably have to adjust in some areas. We have to go back to the drawing board and rethink everything. What is required for Falun to be able to look down on the top three competitors instead of being on the same level, says Rickard Hedlund.
Holmgren will not coach Falun next year
One thing is already clear.
According to information to Expressen, head coach Thomas Holmgren will not stay. The former key defender on the field took over in the booth in December 2021 and has a contract that expires after the season.
– I haven’t heard that, but he has an expiring contract, says Rickard Hedlund about the information.
But isn’t it impossible with a coach change?
– No, that’s right. Nothing is ever impossible.
Thomas Holmgren does not confirm anything either.
– I don’t say boo or bé. I don’t really know what’s going on yet.
He admits to thinking about his future.
– I don’t close any doors. I’m going to have a good think about it.
Would you like to continue next season?
– That’s what I have to think about now. Sport gives and sport takes. Sometimes it balances over on the ta side too much. That’s how it always feels after losses. I’m going to sit down and think it through now.
What is your rating on Falun’s season?
– Not a single gold in three chances. I can’t say approved. It is not approved. A gap year for Falun, one might say. We had different expectations, but we had too low a floor this season. There was nothing wrong with the tops, but they were too rare. We too unstable.
Eric Björk is selected as a replacement
Eric Björk has six seasons as a back in Falun. In recent years, he has coached Falun’s ladies – who this year reached the quarter-finals.
Now he is singled out as a likely replacement for Thomas Holmgren.
There are also unconfirmed reports that it has already been completed.
– Interesting. Nice that there are rumors like that. I myself have not received any specific request. I don’t think Falun would solve that equation to free up so much for the gentlemen that way. I don’t think I have that time either, says Eric Björk.
He continues:
– But absolutely, it would be a fun and honorable mission. There is no talking about it. A fun challenge.
Eric Björk says that he has no proposal on the table regarding a continuation in the women’s team either, so he does not know how it will be next season.
Although the family had their second child in August, which requires more time and responsibility on the home front, he is keen to continue as a coach. He has also received the green light from home.
– I have nothing concrete to decide on right now. It is interesting if I get a concrete request from the ladies’ and men’s side. That is the dilemma when there are two teams in SSL. We’ll see what the next few weeks bring.
Rickard Hedlund on the Björk information:
– Okay, then you know more than I do. There are many who can take over. I haven’t set anything yet. It is an honorable and noble mission to practice Falun.
Eric Björk has previously been an assistant coach in the men’s team under Thomas Brottman’s leadership.
Watch the SM finals on Saturday with Expressen. You can find all information about the broadcasts here.
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