There have been rumors about his possible departure after this season, but Kari Jalonen, Bern's head coach, has now put an end to these speculations in an interview. "I have a contract and I am happy here", he answers when asked if he would consider taking a job offer from the KHL.
The Finn also talks about the various personal things some players were dealing with throughout the season, positive and negative ones, how that all helped them grow together as a team and how he himself was trying to support the affected members.
In further questions, Jalonen mentions how he does not really understand the allegations that were thrown at him and his team, as they still won the title despite supposedly being exhausted and their games being boring. People criticising Bern during the season would likely be celebrating with them now, the coach comments, but also notes that people just happen to be like that, not just in Switzerland. "He who is too successful is the one whose failure you wish to see", Jalonen is quoted.
For the upcoming season, the 59-year-old sees new challenges arising, as there are players leaving and new ones joining, most notably netminder Leonardo Genoni, who will become part of the Bears' opponent in the final, EV Zug. However, Jalonen does not yet want to think about that for now and just enjoy the moment.
( 22 April 2019 | esi )
