We organize these events better than anyone in the world, says Czech U23 assistant coach Michal Dědič

There wasn’t much time to adjust, everything happened so quickly

How have you settled into your role as assistant coach of the U23 team since being appointed?

It’s definitely a great honor to coach the national team. Everything happened so fast that there wasn’t really time to adjust. We had to quickly sort out everything related to the camps and player selections.

How was the initial transition into the assistant coaching role? Did you find your footing quickly?

As I said, there wasn’t much time. On the other hand, I already serve in the same role at Kladno, so I know what the job entails. Of course, it’s a bit different working in a club environment compared to the national team. There’s less time to get to know players personally, and everything is more condensed.

Where are you now in terms of the current player selection? When do you plan to make the final cuts?

Right now, we’re working with a wider roster and basically evaluating each player individually. We're determining who best fits which position and role in the team. We’re aiming to select the best team both in terms of skill and character. Everyone needs to be focused on the team goal, not on personal stats. Now we just hope that everyone stays healthy and comes to the World Championship in top shape. Final cuts will likely be made after the June training camp.

How far along is the preparation for the U23 players now that the season is reaching its peak?

We held one camp in February, although for various reasons, not all of the players we wanted were able to attend. Some players have already finished their Extraliga seasons, so we hope they’ll remain responsible, keep training, and arrive fully prepared. The same goes for others whose seasons are gradually ending. Our next camp should be in mid-June, followed by the final camp, which will roll directly into the World Championship.

Some healthy nerves will definitely come later

How would you evaluate your cooperation with head coach Jiří Mašík? His experience must be a big asset, right?

Máša is an experienced coach who’s been through a lot – both at the club level and internationally. I think we share a similar outlook, and our cooperation is going well – and will continue to go well. We both respect each other’s opinions.

Your debut on the U23 bench will be in front of a home crowd. Are you starting to feel nervous as the championship approaches?

I’m not feeling nervous yet because I’m currently focused on the playoffs with Kladno. Some healthy nerves will definitely come later.

You’ve enjoyed the atmosphere of home World Championships as a player – how are you looking forward to experiencing that now as a coach at the junior level?

I’m definitely really looking forward to it, just like everyone else. A home World Championship is the biggest thing someone in ball hockey can experience. We really know how to run these events better than anyone in the world – both in terms of organization and atmosphere.

Michal Dědič (right) on the coaching bench of HBC Kladno, already involved in preparing the Czech U23 national ball hockey team. Photo credit: HBC Kladno.