Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Handball is set to enter a new chapter with the appointment of Danish coaches Stefan Madsen and Henrik Møllgaard, who will take over as head coach and assistant coach, respectively, on July 1, 2025. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the club as it aims to achieve new heights on the European stage.
Stefan Madsen, 48, brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously led Aalborg Handball from 2018 to 2024, where he achieved remarkable success, including two Champions League finals and four Danish league titles. His most recent role was as the head coach of Egyptian club Al Ahly, which he left after winning the African Champions League and securing third place at the World Club Championship against FC Barcelona. Madsen expressed his enthusiasm about joining PSG: "I am extremely honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain Handball. It’s a huge responsibility, but also a real challenge...I’m convinced we can achieve the greatest goals together."
Alongside Madsen is Henrik Møllgaard, who is transitioning from his playing career to coaching. The 39-year-old Danish full-back played for PSG from 2015 to 2018, winning three French championship titles. Møllgaard has announced his retirement from playing, stating: "Coming back to Paris Saint-Germain, where I experienced so many great moments, is a unique opportunity. I am well aware of the club's expectations and demands." His extensive experience as both a player and now as coach will be instrumental for the team.
Thierry Omeyer, the General Manager of PSG Handball, welcomed the duo, emphasizing the complementary qualities they bring to the club. He stated, "Stefan’s vision and leadership will be major assets...he will complement Henrik, who knows our environment and values inside out." Their combined expertise is expected to drive PSG's ambitions of remaining competitive at both the domestic and European levels.
The announcement of Madsen and Møllgaard has rippled through the handball community, with handball expert Bent Nyegaard expressing his surprise and excitement about the pair's new roles. He remarked, "I am wildly surprised. It’s incredibly exciting. This appointment is not just good for PSG, but also recognition for Danish handball, as it highlights the increasing influence of Danish coaches at elite levels."
PSG’s ambitions are clear: to win the French Championship, the French Cup, and to reach the Final4 of the Champions League, which reflects the same aspirations Madsen and Møllgaard had during their time at Aalborg Handball. They are well aware of the high expectations associated with coaching at PSG, which includes delivering trophies to the club's passionate supporters.
Both coaches have signed two-year contracts with the club, cementing their roles within PSG during this pivotal time. With Madsen’s tactical knowledge and Møllgaard’s insight from his playing days, they hope to build on PSG's rich history and success, turning their plans and strategies for the team’s immediate and future performance.
The news is not just monumental for the club; it serves as motivation for many individuals within the Danish handball scene. Madsen and Møllgaard's reunion at PSG, where they had previously built their strong working relationship at Aalborg, sets the stage for what could be another successful partnership, aiming to bring glory to the French giants once more.
Overall, as they prepare for the transition to Paris, both Stefan Madsen and Henrik Møllgaard are eager and ready to take on the challenges of leading PSG Handball. Their commitment to excellence is likely to serve as the foundation of their campaigns, forging victories and creating memorable moments for the club and its fans. The handball community will undoubtedly be watching closely as this dynamic duo embarks on their ambitious mission with PSG.
