It was a major news bomb that exploded when the Swedish Handball Federation sent out a press release on Friday morning announcing that Glenn Solberg is quitting as national team captain.
The right energy is no longer there to continue, despite the contract running until 2026.
There are no thoughts that have come suddenly, but for me personally, it feels right to make this decision now. I came to a point where I felt it was time to take a break, it's demanding to be a national team captain, Solberg tells TT.
Solberg has, during his six championships as national team captain, led Sweden to three medals: World Championship silver in 2021, European Championship gold in 2022, and European Championship bronze earlier this year.
"Sitting in the stands"
In less than four months, Sweden will play in the World Championship again, in Glenn Solberg's home country. This makes the announcement that the Norwegian is leaving even more surprising.
In a way, it was tempting, but at the same time, it's right for me to do it now. I live 25 minutes away, so I'll be sitting in the stands, he says with a laugh.
Did the medal miss in the Olympic Games last summer influence the decision?
No, it really had nothing to do with that. Even though we weren't entirely at the top level and started the tournament poorly – as we often do. And if you do a little poorly in the group stage, you can meet Denmark in the quarterfinals... There are things I wish I had done differently, but I still think we showed who we are in the last three matches, says Solberg.
When he is to summarize his years as national team captain – he took over after Kristján Andrésson in 2020 – it is the two quarterfinal exits in the Olympic Games that sting the most.
The best memories?
There are many. Getting to build a team and be on this journey we've had together. And seeing the enormous development the players have had, such as Jonathan Carlsbogård and Felix Claar. I'll never forget that.
"Was very big"
Then you won't forget that European Championship gold evening in Budapest either?
Of course, the European Championship gold was very big, winning something does that little extra. But honestly, it's our journey and all the relationships that will stay "forever".
And even though Glenn Solberg has coached his last national team match, the mission is not entirely complete yet.
I'll take a little tour of Europe, visit the players, and say goodbye, he says.
It is not clear who the successor will be.
