Hamsik opens for coaching job at IFK Gothenburg: “It was very nice” – Fotbollskanalen

It is the day before the Swedish men’s national team match against Slovakia on Friday that Fotbollskanalen meets Marek Hamsik for an interview. The former great player has put his boots on the shelf and is now an assistant to the coaching staff of the Slovakian national team.

In the spring of 2021, the 37-year-old became one of the Allsvenskan’s most surprising new signings of all time when he signed a short-term contract with IFK Gothenburg. The Napoli icon returned to Europe from China and made six appearances in the Allsvenskan.

Now he has Slovakia against Blågult.

– Of course it is a special game for me, with my history in Gothenburg. I had the opportunity to prepare for the 2021 European Championship there. I’m glad they gave me that opportunity, says Hamsik, with a smile.

How do you remember your time in Sweden?
– It was very nice. I have only good memories from there. It was a problem (in the world) then because of covid, but you could have a wonderful life in Sweden, because people usually lived there.

– Sweden was more free compared to the rest of Europe. But it was a good time. The only thing I think is a shame is that I never got to play in front of a full arena in Gothenburg. That was the only thing that was missing.

Yes, during Hamsik’s time in the Allsvenskan there were restrictions on the number of spectators in the stands. Only eight people were allowed to watch the games.

Therefore, the Slovak hopes to return to Gothenburg in the future to see a game at Gamla Ullevi full. Wish he is clear about it.

– I would like to take my wife and children there. Because they have never experienced it. Whenever I get a good chance to see a game, I go there.

Are you still in touch with anyone in Sweden?
– Not so much. But sometimes when someone from the club gets a call, I always have open arms. And tomorrow I might meet some physical trainers in the national team (Carl Persson and Fredrik Larsson who also work for IFK Göteborg), that’s always nice.

What is your best memory from your time in Gothenburg?
– I liked how you live your life in Sweden. The people are nice and open. It was a good nature. But I wasn’t there for outdoor life, but for football. And I have good memories of this year’s goal that I got, says Hamsik and he laughs.

Hamsik scored only one goal in Blåvitt, so he was named the goal of the year in Allsvenskan 2021. Against Sirius at home, he thundered into the crossbar.

– It was a good goal. A fantastic goal. I am happy to have won that award.

When asked by Fotbollskanalen if he has any message he wants to send to the supporters of IFK Göteborg, Hamsik seems to remain a supporter of the blue and whites. He keeps an eye on how the old team is doing.

– I always monitor the results. I follow the team. I know they are not… the lowest team, but they are playing for a new contract. Right now, they seem to be succeeding. One more win should secure it all.

– I hope they can turn the tables in the future and be one of the best clubs in Sweden again, Hamsik welcomes him.

A few weeks ago, he published a video on Instagram which also shows that there is still a connection between him and IFK. Then Hamsik practiced football with his daughter, who kicked the ball in a blue-white shirt.

And now that Hamsik is training to become a coach and has started a new career in football, the question must be asked: is he willing to return to IFK Gothenburg as a coach at some point in the future future?

Hamsik smiles – but he doesn’t close the door.

– Why not? Why not? You never know what will happen in the future. But right now I’m here (in the national team) and just at the beginning of my coaching career.

– I have a great opportunity to be part of the management team here and I am taking my Uefa Pro license in Italy at the same time. After that we will see what happens.

What are your aspirations as a coach?
– I don’t see much for the future. I am enjoying my time in the national team and I am also the head coach of the P16 academy team.

About Friday’s Nations League international, Hamsik says:

– We are two teams that have won two so far. Both want to get to division B. This is one of our main games. Sweden has a very good and physical team, and they play good and dangerous football under their new coach (Jon Dahl Tomasson).