Decorated Danish player the only female coach on men’s team

Fuglsbjerg is not a new face on the courts of Porto Santo, quite the opposite. The former decorated player, now a coach, led the women’s team The Danish Beachhandball Dream towards the 2023 title in her first coaching attempt at the biggest club competition stage. This year, she's hungry for more and has set the bar a little higher. There are 16 teams in the men's competition, and only one of the coaches is a woman — Melanie Fuglsbjerg. 

“I try to do best I can, and maybe also show that is possible to be a woman on the men’s side, and that we also have a point of view in the men’s game, too”, says Fuglsbjerg who didn’t hesitate for a second when both offers were put on the table.

“I like to explore the differences between the two, also because I’m new in this. It’s fun to know how is with the boys and how with the girls, with who am I more compatible as a coach.”

Retired star player is still trying to figure that out, as there are certain differences between the two. 

“To the boys you give one task and they don’t question that much, and women are more like ‘what do you mean, how should it be’. You can be more direct with boys”.

The goal remains the same — to pass on her winning mentality to the teams she coaches. The 2019 European champion with Denmark has two other silver medals from the Beach Handball EURO 2013 and 2021.

“I’m trying to use my playing experience, but also my short coaching experience, and try to do all the tactics, analyse the teams we’re playing against, figuring it out how are my players compare to other players, how can we succeed and then hopefully tactics will give us a win”.

Fuglsbjerg's teams didn't manage to keep a perfect record after the first day of competition on the Portuguese island. Team WON suprised one of the Champions Cup favourites, EFE - Os Tigres, but then lost to Team Normandie. Meanwhile, Aarhus Beach suffered a defeat against  EFE - Os Tigres, but beat Beach Stars BHC.

The race for the main round is still on, and so are the dreams of a double crown. Talented Dane knows the expectations are higher this year, but who's to blame when you enter the coaching journey with a gold medal around your neck.

Photos: kolektiff images