Jota Gonzalez was an early hot candidate to resume duty in the men’s national team in Poland. ZPRP, the Polish Handball federation now announces the new job for the 53-year-old.
Poland hasn´t been able to shine in the major tournaments for a couple of years. A Spanish coach could mean a welcome course change and Gonzalez is keen to get on with business in his contract until 2028.
– I believe that Poland has many interesting players and many interesting young players who will need to be gradually introduced to the team to continue developing. I think that we are able to create a very interesting mix of experienced and recognized players together with young players who will be entering the highest level. At the moment, however, I only have an outside perspective. Now I need to learn the situation within the squad, he says to the federation website.
With two rounds left of the qualification Poland has second spot in their group, with Romania as the most fierce competitor for the direct advancement.
The newly presented coach has less than a month to prepare for the most important national games of the season. If Poland succeeds, Gonzalez might be able to implement further tactics.
– If we qualify for the 2026 European Championship, which is our first big goal, then I think that this tournament will be the one where you can see a team that will play according to my idea, he says to the federation website.
In club handball, Gonzalez has been in charge of SL Benfica since 2023 after a handful of year as a assistant to Raul Gonzalez in Paris Saint-Germain.
Source: POZNAJMY NOWEGO SELEKCJONERA! J. GONZÁLEZ: BĘDĘ PRZYKŁADEM CIĘŻKIEJ PRACY (ROZMOWA)