Wednesday, 10. September 2025 | The big coach interview with Oliver David before the first DEL game
Oliver David: “We play for you and want to make you proud”The big coach interview before the first DEL game// INTERVIEWFriday is the day: we kick off the 2025/26 DEL season with an away game against the Kölner Haie. Before the first puck drop, we spoke to our coach Oliver David about his debut, his development so far, and his philosophy.Oliver, our last big interview was at the end of April, when we introduced you as the new coach. At that time, you were still living in Salzburg and only knew Munich as a tourist. Have you settled in now?
Oliver David: "To be honest, no. (laughs). I don't think we've really arrived as a family yet. We moved to Munich in July after my children's school year was over. Next week, it starts again. And that's a big part of the experience of living away from home. To feel settled, you need that routine – and only when my whole family feels settled can I feel settled too. But we really like Munich so far, and I already feel settled and well accepted at the club."
Have you had the opportunity to get to know the city in the past few weeks despite the pre-season?
David: "I haven't really had the time to explore much yet. For a hockey coach, especially in a new club, there are no days off. At least that's how I see it. But when I can, I visit a lot of places with my family, such as the German Museum. Munich makes it really easy thanks to the tram, bus, and subway."
So you haven't found any favorite spots or insider tips yet?
David: “It's funny that you mention ‘hidden gems’. In California, people really value having insider tips about their city that they can share with friends and family. That's why I'm always on the lookout for great Mexican restaurants or cafés. So if anyone has any tips, I'd love to hear them (laughs).”
You've already settled in well at the club. How are things with the team? We have eleven new players, and for you, with the exception of our new signings from Salzburg, they're all new. Did the preseason give you all a chance to grow together?
David: “Our team building so far has been very good, considering the short time we've had together. We had a weekend away from the ice and the atmosphere in the team is generally excellent. We've reached a point where we know each other better and the players have also accepted and understand our playing philosophy.”
How important is that for you?
David: “You need cohesion if you want to implement an idea together and be successful. Over the past few weeks, we've also given the players confidence in what we're doing. Every day, you decide anew what attitude you're going to take to things. And we want to see that confidence and championship mindset from the players every day. That worked well in the preseason.”
Can you and the entire coaching team support this, or does it have to be intrinsic motivation on the part of the players?
David: “We coaches are actually responsible for keeping the ship on course. We have to make sure that the players don't lose faith in our vision. Only when that works can we get into the details. Systems, lines, tactics, plays – none of that means anything without the foundation. And that foundation is belief, a championship mindset, and cohesion.”
When you took over, you announced that you wanted to establish a “bullish” style of play. Aggressive, fast-paced, and attacking were some of the words you used to describe it at the time. Have you seen that from the guys in preseason?
David: "In preseason, there were some very good examples of how we want to play. There were many scenes in which we saw our Red Bulls hockey style. But we also have enough examples where that wasn't the case. And that's at least as important in the preseason. It shows what's already working, what we need to work on, and what ideas we won't be implementing after all. We want to play clear and simple hockey. But simple doesn't mean easy. Our style requires exceptional fitness and competitive ambition."
What exactly do you mean by that, how does that translate to the game?
David: “We don't just want to manage leads. We have to play our game, and that's not easy, even if it sounds simple. All the players on the ice have to work in sync, like a flock of birds changing direction at the same time. And in many of the points mentioned, we have already seen good progress during the preparation phase.”
In the seven games so far, you've brought a lot of variety to the lines. Have you already found some combinations that will stick?
David: "The fact that we rotated the lines in parts until the end of the preparation phase is also due to the fact that we have a broad squad. When everyone is fit, not everyone can play. That's why it's also important to always have the best possible combinations of players who are available. That can vary accordingly. There will be one or two lines that are fixed and completely in sync, blindly knowing each other's movements. But we will offer variations and will also have to offer them.“
So at least some of the lines we've seen recently are already set?
”When we look at the lines, one player is still missing: Chris DeSousa. So far, I've only been able to see him on TV outside of training. But based on what I've seen and his history with the club and the DEL, I'm aware that he can be an absolute game changer for us. It will be exciting to see how we integrate this X-factor into our lines and who he will work best with."
On Friday, you'll finally play your first game as a DEL coach. You'll be facing the runners-up in Cologne. Not an easy start.
David: “There are still two days to go. The pressure is certainly growing, but right now I'm mainly looking forward to the start of the season. It's all about playing our game and earning the chance to win. Then it won't matter that Cologne finished runners-up last year or that we're playing in front of over 18,000 spectators.”
It's on again!
So there isn't an opponent you would have preferred?
David: “There are no easy opponents in the DEL. We are a team that commands respect. No one plays us unprepared—quite the opposite, in fact. That's why Cologne is a good first game, and I'm looking forward to it.”
And on Sunday, the action continues at SAP Garden. So far, you only know the ice there as a visitor or from the training sessions over the last two weeks.
David: “I can't wait to be on the bench and know that my whole family is there. We've worked hard and I'm looking forward to getting started. Especially the home games, in front of our fans. You can be sure that the players feel it when the arena is behind them. The more, the better for us. And the whole team wants to earn that support.”
Have you set yourself a few goals for the upcoming games, such as how far the team should be at what point?
David: "The focus is on the daily work. ‘Day to day is the way’ is often dismissed as a phrase, but that's how it is in sports and as a coach. Of course, we have long-term goals, but it's about paying attention to the details every day. Those are the things that can make the difference. And not always looking at the big picture.“
Now you have the opportunity to address the fans directly once again before your debut. Is there anything else you'd like to say?
David: ”I know what you expect from us. And I promise you, we're working hard every day to deliver. We have eleven new players and I'm also new to the club. We still need to gain experience together as a team. But we will always make progress, develop further and show you that we are on the right track. Looking at day one of pre-season, we have already succeeded in doing that so far. We play for you, we want to make you proud and we have the same goal as you: we want to win every game."
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