Anan Majdi, who is also the youth coordinator for the Musel Pikes, has taken over the role of interim head coach for the men’s team this Tuesday after John Dieckelman was released. The young coach, who just received his A coaching license ( 14 coaches received A-license (pictures) ) did not think too long when the club asked him to take over a team that is currently 0:7 in the 2021/22 season. „To be honest, the decision was tough but quick. I didn’t think twice. The club and players needed my help at least for a transition period, so I said Yes. I’m aware it’s not a present but it’s also a kind of challenge to me – a huge one. I always say « Take the risk or lose the chance ». So Yes! I accepted it.“
Majdi was introduced as an interim head coach for a transition period, the coach notes that it absolutely sure that „it is an interim and not more. I’m actually working as youth coordinator too, and I do coach U16 and U18 boys as well as the U16 girls. Things work perfectly for youth categories since my arrival in 2019, we see the results and the progression. Youth players enter both seniors men and women teams and we have a huge number of new coming players at all ages categories that show the success. The future will be good for the Pikes without any doubt! » Therefore I can’t do this (head coaching job in the men’s team) until the end of the season – at least for this season – because I won’t stop the construction of the pyramid I have been building for seasons.
After a 0:7 start and some heavy losses, Majdi finds clear words for what needs to change in the men’s first team: „It’s clear that the team needs some changes. There are 3 principal things we need to change for the upcoming weeks. First, we need to create an offensive and defensive identity and optimise the willingness of playing both defense and offense. Second, we need to focus more on the « read and react » game situations which means setting the players roles on the court but also teach them how to react in different cases. Basketball players aren’t robots and should not be. Third, we need to reinforce the self confidence of each player. Motivate them to give more than 100% every practice and game.“
Asked about what the teams needs the most over the next days and weeks, Majdi says that „all we need is a win. With a win, our confidence will lift immensely and the sun will shine again over the Moselle. »
Majdi does not forget to thank his partner Dieckelman: „I also want to thank coach John for his professionalism and for the work he has done.“
The next days and weeks will be busy for the new head coach. The Musel Pikes will play T71 this weekend, than the cup week in schduled with a game against Contern and next weekend, a game against Amicale Steinsel is scheduled, very important games coming up for coach Majdi and the Pikes. Everybody in Stadtbredimus knows that the next weeks will be difficult but they will also be a huge chance to turn the season around.
Other article on our website about the main takeaways after 7 game days in the LBBL (women and men) –> Main takeaways after 7 game days in the LBBL
In an article that appeared on our website a few months ago, Majdi described the role of the youth coordinator –> Wat mécht eigentlech en Jugendkoordinator?
