The 39-year-old Poulsen comes from the Scandinavian handball environment, widely regarded as one of the most advanced and modern in Europe. Coaches from this region are known for fast and dynamic handball, tactical discipline, and a strong focus on developing young players.
Most recently, Poulsen worked in the Faroe Islands. Before that, he coached Romanian side Valcea, Danish club Ajax København and Swedish club Skövde, while also collaborating with CSM București. He also has experience at national team level, having worked with the Montenegro national team as well as the Romanian and Slovak youth national teams.
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“Rasmus Poulsen convinced us with his combination of expertise, modern approach and clear vision for the team’s development. We want to play fast, modern and attractive handball, while also creating an environment in which young players can continue to develop and take on increasingly important roles within the team,” said Marta Bon, who is responsible for the sporting side of the club.
During the process of selecting a new head coach, the club’s management held numerous discussions with both Slovenian and international candidates, but Poulsen ultimately stood out as the strongest choice – a young, ambitious and development-oriented coach.
Rasmus Poulsen is regarded as an ambitious and development-oriented coach.
As highlighted by the club, Poulsen is not only a handball expert, but also a coach who demonstrates strong leadership qualities, clear communication skills and the ability to build team spirit in an international environment.
Poulsen’s arrival also aligns with the club’s long-term strategy, which is based on modernising the style of play, developing young players and gradually building a new generation of the team. The goal remains to play fast and modern handball while maintaining competitiveness at the European level and in the EHF Champions League, where Krim OTP Group Mercator will compete for the 32nd consecutive season next year.
Rasmus Rygaard Poulsen is also excited about his arrival in Ljubljana and fully aware that he is joining a club with a rich tradition and an important place in European handball.
“Becoming the head coach of RK Krim OTP Group Mercator is a major moment in my career. This is a club with incredible tradition and a clear identity, so I fully understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this role. I am arriving with great respect for everything that has already been built at the club, but also with a clear desire to help the team take the next step forward,” emphasised Rasmus Poulsen.
Rasmus Poulsen: Krim OTP Group Mercator is a club with incredible tradition and a clear identity, so I am fully aware of the expectations and responsibilities that come with it.
“My vision is to build a team with a clear identity, strong culture and clear values. People can expect hard work, attention to every detail and an environment in which players develop both individually and collectively. A strong focus will be placed on the development of young players and on a modern, dynamic style of handball,” added Poulsen, who also stressed that every player will have a clearly defined role within the team. The goal, he says, is to create an ambitious and development-oriented environment “in which we will build modern handball focused on the future.”
The club would also like to thank former head coach Žiga Novak for his contribution and dedication, and wishes him every success in the continuation of his coaching career.