14 Aug 2009 at 08:56 | Published by: Hans | Views: 11172 | News search

Manfred Lindmayr and Christian Gobetz in Tampere 2008  (Photo by Arto Borg 2008)

Interview with Christian Gobetz, Head Coach of Austria

HB: First of all thank you for letting Minigolfnews interview you.

HB: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself to those who don’t know you. Who is Christian Gobetz?

CG:

Profession: Finance Officer

Year of birth: 29.08.1973

Start of Minigolf career: 1983

Clubs: MGC Köflach, MGC Knittelfeld, BGSC Klaus and now 1.MGC Mannheim

Favourite ball: 25 Jahre Gobetz Christian

Favourite surface: Smooth

Coaching Tip: Stamina and concentration determined

HB: This is first year as Head Coach for Austria. Have you ever felt doubts about taking on as coach for one of the most successful teams in the Minigolfworld?

CG: So far I can say I have never had any doubts about taking over the Austrian national team. I have a very motivated and well-balanced squad available.

HB: Which has been your best moment so far as Head Coach?

CG: The best moment so far was for sure the composition of the new teams. I managed to motivate Heinz Weber and Rupert Westenthaler to play for the national team again.

HB: And which was the toughest moment so far as Head Coach?

CG: The toughest moment as head coach is for sure the preparations for the composition of the teams for the World Championships. Not only studying single players, but also the selection and assessment of the results are hard. There are many factors to consider, and furthermore, the players play in different leagues which also make it more difficult to decide which player to nominate.

HB: How long are you planning to stay as Head Coach for the Austrian Team?

CG: I have planned to stay until end of 2010. What the future may bring, I cannot say at this stage.

HB: You are soon to leave for Odense. What are your expectations of the performance on the Austrian Teams in Odense?

CG: The expectations for Odense are big. Much depends on how fast we can get a good grip of the courses. Also the surrounding conditions for the teams are certainly one of the key factors for success.

HB: You will also play yourself. Was it a difficult decision to choose you as part of the team?

CG: Already from the beginning there were never any doubts about myself playing in the team. I even took the job under this condition, to be able to play myself if I was good enough. Due to the results I have shown in the regional league in Germany with Mannheim and especially my good results on felt, there has never really been a discussion about this matter.

HB: What are your personal goals for your own game in Odense?

CG: I don’t set my personal goals until it is time for the KO finals. Until then the team is what matters and that is what is the most important for me.

HB: What are your favourites for medals in the Team Competition on men’s and ladies side?

CG: The Swedes are favorites for sure. Though I am sure the Austrian men and women will be able to surprise.

HB: Are there any nations or players that you think will have a breakthrough this year?

CG: To name single players is difficult, but of course there are good nations and players and surely some unexpected players will perform very well.

HB: Can you mention any favorites as you see it for the individual medals in Odense?

CG: The favorites can be found among the Swedish and German players and not to forget the Austrian players.

Considering the last year’s results and the playing system this year the Swedes may be the most dangerous ones.

HB: There has been much discussion on the Internet about the new KO modus played in the individual finals at international championships. What is your opinion about the KO-modus? Odense?

CG: At the time, we use the KO-modus, so that is what we have to focus on. I simply think this modus gives the weaker players more advantages and chances to succeed. For the future I wish a return of the old modus.

HB: What is your opinion on the limited training time allowed in Odense?

CG: This gives all nations the same conditions. Speaking for Austria, I am sure it is not a disadvantage.

HB: What is your opinion about the concept of playing championships indoors?

CG: I think playing indoors is very good. It makes the conditions the same for all, no problems with rain etc. You could see at the recent junior’s championships what bad weather can do…

HB: The youth world championships 2010 will be played at a MOS beton course in Socci, Russia. What do you think of this development with MOS courses entering the Championships?

CG: I cannot say much about this. I have had no experience of MOS courses.

HB: It has been some debate in recent years on the Internet about the referees in international competitions, and especially the timekeeping of players. Do you have any comments about the referees or the time rules at championships?

CG: There are rules that have to be respected, which does not mean that the referees have to stand with the clocks next to the players, of course. That is all I want to say about this matter at the moment, though you could discuss it forever.

HB: Again thanks for participating a good luck with the team in Odense.

CG: Thank You.

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