Flashscore: Did you talk to Mikkel Hansen before coming to PSG? Did that influence your decision?
Stefan Madsen: "No, I didn't. But I did talk to Henrik Mollgaard, who is now my assistant. He played here before, and I have a great relationship with him. But... Everyone knows PSG. It's a big club, a big name."
Was your decision more about the club's reputation, or was it the challenge that attracted you?
"When you have ambition as a coach, and you see the chance to make an impact at such a major club, it's a huge honor. I'm very happy to be here."
How important is it to have Henrik Mollgaard by your side?
"It's essential. He knows handball inside out, but he's also a fantastic person. We're very close. He cares about people. He's also a winner, and he'll do whatever it takes to win.
"His values, the way he treats people with respect, that's a real positive. His values are very close to mine. It's crucial in any partnership to make sure your values are aligned."
How do you share responsibilities?
"Ultimately, I'm in charge of everything. This coaching world is new for him. It's his first season. Our relationship started years ago, when he was playing at Aalborg. He's a good leader, and now he's ready to develop his coaching skills. We do everything together, and we find solutions together. That includes the players as well."
So you're also his mentor?
"Yes, you could say that. It's a different experience for him, moving from player to coach. I think he's happy to be coaching, but also surprised by everything that goes on, all the things you have to consider around the team.
"These are things you don't notice as a player. And that's one of the most important things for a coach: to protect the players, to let them focus only on the game."
How much did your years at Aalborg prepare you to coach PSG?
"I think they're two different jobs. But now, I see the similarities too. The progress we made at Aalborg, not just on the court but off it as well, happened very quickly. It became very professional. We managed to do what is happening here at PSG.
"In Paris, we're here to win. That was also our drive at Aalborg and in Egypt. Yes, my years at Aalborg shaped me and taught me how to work in an environment with a single goal: to win."
And from a tactical point of view?
"Of course. That also influenced my tactics. It's important to look at the potential we have with the team. Some players are similar to those I've worked with before; others are different. You can have a concept, but you need to respect individual qualities.
"Yes, we have a foundation. But for me as a coach, and for the team, you have to give players the freedom to create. That's why I say you have to build the team with them."
How would you compare the challenges you faced in 2018 to those you face now at PSG?
"They're completely different. First, because I went straight from assistant to head coach. That transition is unique. I'd never done that before. And I don't think I'd do it again.
"Not because I didn't like it, but because even if you try not to change, you have to, at least a little. You have your own personality, and you have to use it.
"Then, back then, I had a team that I thought could become a top team in Europe. We weren't there yet. We built it up. Here, it's different. I came from Egypt and took over a team that is a top club. There's a lot of ambition."
Why did you decide to go to Al-Ahly before returning to Europe?
"How much time do we have? (laughs) With Aalborg, after six years, we decided that 2024 would be my last year. I had three options. First, I could have helped another top club in Europe develop, and I would have been happy to do that.
"I was also interested in starting something from scratch, building a project, maybe with young players and smaller clubs. And finally, there was the option to try something completely different, both culturally and in terms of sport. I felt the third option was the right one.
"Al-Ahly came knocking. At first, I was a bit hesitant. But I talked with them, they presented the project, and I thought: 'ok, if I want to do something different, this is my chance'.
"I'm really glad I did it. I built great relationships, met wonderful people, and grew personally in a different culture. Life is really different there. When I think about that year in Egypt, I almost get emotional. It was fantastic."
Especially since Egypt has such a rich history...
"I lived close to the pyramids, and I passed by them every day. It's the same here; when I go into the center of Paris, I get emotional. The city is incredible. The landmarks are unique.
"It's amazing for me to be here. I also love being abroad. Yes, I miss my family, but right now, my son is with me. Daily life is different. But I decided, together with my family, to experience this."
You turned Aalborg into a team capable of winning the Champions League. How long will it take for PSG to follow in those footsteps?
"I think we already have the potential. Really. Yes, it's tough. But I don't see why we can't compete with the best. It's true, not everything has gone our way. That's part of top-level sport. I see that everyone working here, from the players to the staff, is focused. I'll be happy to push a bit more to get us closer to the top."
How were your first days here? Did you enjoy them right away, or were you a bit disappointed?
"No, I wasn't disappointed at all. I'm really happy to be here. Everything is very professional. Yes, it's a bigger setup than what I've known before. And then, everything was new: new staff, new players...
"I think after half a season, we've found a good balance in the way we work, and I've been able to settle in very well. The people I've spoken to have been very open. When you come here as a coach, you have to respect what has happened before.
"The club's history is incredible. I had my own ideas, but coming here changed everything. Yes, we always want to aim for the biggest titles. PSG has come close to winning them several times. We have the potential; we just need to find a way to make it count."
Was it also tough to start when so many players were injured?
"Yes, it was hard. But that's also why we changed some things. Maybe we did it too quickly. I think now we've found the right balance in how we work. Everyone wanted to find solutions.
"We had to accept that sometimes, these things happen. Injuries occur, and there were already injured players before I arrived. We dealt with it. I'm very positive about what's ahead."
Overall, you've succeeded. You're still unbeaten in the league.
"We're really pleased with our performance in the league. We played almost perfectly in the first half of the season. The draw against Nantes (31-31)... Yes, we wanted to win; we had chances to do so. But... You also have to respect your opponent. We played Nantes, a good team, at their place; it was tough.
"In the Champions League, it's a different story. We haven't found our rhythm yet. We've dropped points. We were very disappointed. However, I'm very positive. I'm sure we have everything we need to reach the quarter-finals. From there, it will get easier."
What have you been missing? At home, you've managed to hold on, but you were often on the edge...
"That's a good question. We've thought about it a lot. The balance of calmness and relationships between players in these knockout games is very important. It comes down to small details. That's what we missed.
"Now, it's different. When everyone comes back from the international break, injury-free, we need to quickly get back into our rhythm. We'll have some big games coming up soon."
Is there an aspect of the game you want to develop?
"We're really at the top level. Our biggest challenge has been to maintain that for the full 60 minutes. Over the last month and a half, we've shown that we've found the right balance. We're more consistent. Our main challenge now is to keep that stability throughout an entire match."
In terms of player relationships, it must be much easier now that the team knows each other.
"Exactly. It's especially better in terms of team structure. We've found a good balance between how we build the team and how we make adjustments."
What do you think of the level of French handball compared to other European leagues?
"Everyone talks about PSG, and yes, there are three big teams (he adds Nantes and Montpellier). Still, I think you shouldn't underestimate your opponent. If you do, you're not ready. It's not easy to play against Starligue teams. They're good teams.
"That's also why I'm really happy with our results in the league. It's the same in Germany, and even in Denmark, although some leagues don't follow this trend. But I think, for example, in France, if you're not careful, it's tough."
Are we seeing the level rise?
"Handball is getting more and more interesting. There are more teams at the top level, and I also think about the young players and their development. It's great to see so many teams, especially in France, developing."
Is it also important to have good French players at the club?
"Yes. It's very important. We're a French team. Yes, the players are international, and that's how handball is today, but culture is very important. It's the foundation of everything.
"The French players who have been here for several years, they keep that culture alive. They have a big impact on the team. And they need to keep it, and own it."
Some lost to Germany at the Euro...
"Yes, that was a surprise. It's a real shame that France lost because they're a very good team with great players. But it proves what I was saying. The European level is really high. You can see it in a tournament like this.
"I don't think I've ever seen this before. Everyone wins and loses. France will still be at the top level. That doesn't change.
"Now, everyone needs to rest and work on what didn't go well. You have to keep a cool head and set a strategy for the future."
Do you think Denmark can win the Euro?
"I've never seen a tournament so open. So, why not? Maybe. Anything can happen."