As we inch closer to the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season on December 9, we are pleased to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players and coaches from the best hockey countries in the world participating in the “League of the Best”.
This series delves into the minds of the sport’s best athletes and coaches, revealing their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals and the strategies their teams are developing to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide unique insight into the passion, preparation and drive that fuel the teams competing for glory.
In today’s interview we speak with Jeroen Delmee, coach of the Dutch men’s hockey team…
How did you prepare for the new FIH Hockey Pro League season after winning silver at the European Championships?
We prepared ourselves like every season. In the past period, the focus was partly on the club competition, while we also trained weekly with the national team. The biggest challenge is to get the players physically ready for the intense Pro League blocks. For example, in Santiago del Estero we play four matches in five days in very warm conditions. That is very different from playing one match a week in the cool Dutch climate.
Last year you won the FIH Hockey Pro League. How do you estimate your chances for this season?
I’d say our chances are about the same as last year. The level at the top of men’s hockey is very close. Yes, we are contenders to win the Pro League again, but the same goes for several other countries. Again, I expect the last few matches to decide who will be the champion. Since there is an Olympic ticket to be won this time, I expect that teams will focus even more on results towards the end of the competition, and a little less on long-term development.
Will you approach this FIH Hockey Pro League season differently now that there is an Olympic ticket to win? If so, what’s different for your team?
Not really. Of course, it would be great to secure that ticket to the LA Olympics as soon as possible. But the Pro League is also an essential part of our preparation for next year’s World Cup. We still want to use the Pro League to further develop young players and give them international experience. It is simply not possible to play the same line-up every match, given the challenge of the schedule. But if we are in a good position by the end of the season, there is a real chance that we will shift our focus a little more towards results than development.
What does the FIH Hockey Pro League mean to you?
The Pro League is a fantastic tournament with great matches. It is an important part of our preparation for major international championships. It allows us to compete against the best teams in the world, give newcomers a taste of international hockey and valuable experience, and of course it’s a great title to win. Being able to call yourself the best in the world over 16 matches is something to be proud of, and something that really matters.
What do your players learn from the FIH Hockey Pro League?
To perform under pressure and become more familiar with international hockey. It is completely different from club hockey and requires different skills and qualities from the players.
What do you like most about the FIH Hockey Pro League?
In addition to what I mentioned earlier, it is also special and valuable to travel with the team. Traveling together to places like Australia, Argentina or India is of enormous value. And when you get to play in front of full stadiums… that’s exactly what players and coaches live for.
#FIH #ProLeague #FIH #Hockey #Pro #League #PreSeason #Interview #Dutch #mens #coach #Jeroen #Delmee