Thrown into an unfamiliar defensive role on the biggest stage, Mads Hoxer has embraced the challenge. Ahead of the Euros final on home soil, the Dane remains calm about stepping in where needed.
“I think it will be okay,” Hoxer tells GoHandball.
Denmark are heading into a European Championship final with limited room for error, and limited options in defence. Injuries and circumstances have forced changes, and suddenly Mads Hoxer finds himself in a role he hasn’t occupied regularly for years. With Simon Hald, as of Saturday, still at the hospital, Hoxer could very well get a lot of playing time in the central defence in today’s big final.
For a player more known for his attacking qualities, the situation could easily feel overwhelming. But Hoxer approaches it with the same calm confidence that has defined his tournament so far.
“I played there a couple of years ago with Mors-Thy, but not so much in recent years. That’s okay for me. I’m not 100 percent confident because I haven’t done it that much, but I think it will be okay. It’s not that difficult for me to play there,” he says.
Familiar foe awaits
Denmark will face Germany once again, a familiar opponent in recent championships. Despite previous successes, Hoxer is quick to stress that nothing can be taken for granted in a final.
“Of course we’ve played some matches against Germany recently, and we’ve been lucky to win them. I’m really looking forward to playing the final in this arena. They’re a really strong team, and we have to be ready from the start,” he says.
For Hoxer personally, simply being part of the squad carries weight. After missing both the 2024 Olympics and the 2025 World Championships due to injuries, this tournament has been a long-awaited return, made even more special by playing on home court.
“I’m just happy to be playing in this tournament. It really hurt me missing the Olympics and the World Championship. But now I’m happy to be here and to play on home court. It’s amazing,” he says.
His role within the team has gradually grown. From limited minutes in 2023 to becoming a trusted option, especially defensively, Hoxer feels increasingly comfortable in the group.
“Of course I didn’t play that much during the 2023 World Championship, but now I’m a little more part of the team and getting some playing time. I feel more involved now,” he explains.
Saugstrup – the key for Denmark
If Denmark once again have to improvise at the heart of their defence, Hoxer knows he won’t be alone. Standing next to him is Magnus Saugstrup, a player he relies on heavily.
“Saugstrup is an amazing defender and also very strong in attack. We really relied on him in defence against Iceland because he was the only natural central defender we had left. He helps me a lot because he’s the one next to me. It’s good for us to still have him,” Hoxer says.
With a sold-out arena expected and the atmosphere already proven electric, Hoxer is ready to step into whatever role is required, even if it’s an unexpected one.
“It’s special to get the chance to play here on home court. Hopefully it will be a really good match for us,” he says.
And if Denmark manage to cap it all off with gold they are the reigning Olympic, World and Euro champions.
“Of course it would be the perfect ending to win it all,” Hoxer concludes.