Elias Ellefsen at Skipagøta will be entering next season under new leadership.
In a recent announcement, THW Kiel confirmed the dismissal of coach Filip Jicha, citing disappointing results over recent years as the catalyst for the decision.
Last season proved particularly challenging for the storied North German club. They finished sixth in the Bundesliga and succumbed to Melsungen in the European League final, marking a significant blow—Kiel failed to qualify for European handball for the first time since 1993.
The Absence of Elias
Kiel began the tournament strongly with Ellefsen, the Faroese defender, showcasing his talent in several matches during the fall. However, a shoulder injury sustained before Christmas sidelined him, leading to minimal participation following the European Championship final in January.
The team’s struggles were palpable; Kiel undeniably missed Ellefsen’s presence in the backline, compounded by the absences of several other key players throughout the season.
Having spent 16 years at Kiel as both player and coach, the 44-year-old Jicha has experienced an illustrious career, winning virtually every title available in both capacities.
While THW Kiel has not yet named Jicha’s successor, sources such as Kieler Nachrichten indicate that Børge Lund is a strong candidate for the role. The 47-year-old Norwegian has been at the helm of the Elverum club since 2020 and previously played for Kiel from 2007 to 2010.
