Aalborg Director: The City Stands Behind Us 

Erik Just, director of Aalborg DH, has gone through a lot of trouble lately. There were financial problems, lawsuits of former players, and the recent sacking of head coach Christian Dalmose.

Now there is light at the end of the tunnel for Just and Aalborg DH. Last week, the Norwegian coach Leif Gautestad was introduced as the new head coach from next season when current coach Jan Leslie will leave the club.

Furthermore, new players are on their way to replace the ones who leave the club. On top of all, the team seems to be heading for the Champions League semi-finals for the second year in succession.

It was no wonder, that a moved, happy and relieved club director grabbed the microphone in the Gigantium Arena after Sunday afternoon’s stunning 34-24 win over Hypo Niederösterreich to thank the 4412 spectators. The fans celebrated their team with standing ovations during the last 10 minutes of the match.

Eurohandball.com asks Erik Just what this Champions League success means for the club.

Erik Just: It is always great for us to be in the Champions League, and the fact that we can do so well in this competition proves that we have one of the strongest teams in the world. To be able to beat one of Europe’s top teams such as Hypo by ten goals tells everything about the skills and the will that this team possesses.

Eurohandball.com: You are well on your way to the Champions League semi-finals for the second year in a row – though the roster is not so large. What is the explanation for this success story?

Erik Just: Part of the reason is the fact that we have a great and enthusiastic home crowd who come and support us in every home match. This is an important part of Aalborg, a reason for us to be on the world map. I am well aware, of course, that women’s handball is not as important in many European countries as it is in Denmark. But we also know that women’s handball has a high priority in many countries and we are proud of that.

Eurohandball.com: Last week you presented Leif Gautestad as new coach in the club from next season. New players also seem to be on their way to replace those who are leaving. Does that mean that the problems we heard about are solved?

Erik Just: We announced our new coach and it calmed things down among our players and in the club in general. Now we are working hard to complete our squad for next season when our goal will be the top of the Danish league and Champions League again.

Eurohandball.com: Does it mean that you also expect Aalborg DH to be on top of Europe in the years to come?

Erik Just: Yes I do, but you also have to bear in mind that we have a long-term strategy. We will try to build up a team that consists of experienced starts and young players who we train in the club. Earlier, we had to change half of the team every year due to players leaving us. We will need more continuity in the future. This will be one of the challenges our new coach will face.

Eurohandball.com: Aalborg DH is the only team in Denmark’s third largest city to reach international success. It must attract supporters and local sponsors as well…

Erik Just: Yes, and we feel an increasing support from the local business life. Many potential sponsors – who had doubts about the future of our club – seem to think positively about us and try to be part of our success. We can also feel the support of the fans. Many already ask about the season tickets for next year. All in all we can see that now that things are under control in the club and the city is behind us.