The Saudi Arabia Handball Federation (SAHF) has made a significant announcement in the world of handball. They have appointed Icelandic coach Erlingur Birgir Richardsson as the new head coach of the Saudi Arabian men’s senior national team. Richardsson will be taking over the reins from Jan Pytlick, who previously led the Asian side at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship.
Erlingur Birgir Richardsson, a 50-year-old coach, brings a wealth of experience to the table. This appointment marks his third stint as a national team coach. He has previously served as an assistant coach for the Iceland men’s national team from 2012 to 2013 and as the head coach of the Netherlands men’s national team from 2017 to 2022. Additionally, he has coached various clubs in Iceland and Europe.
Richardsson’s coaching journey began with women’s teams at Valur Reykjavík and ÍB Vestmannaeyja. He later had two stints with HK Kópavogs before becoming an assistant coach for the Iceland men’s senior team.
Afterward, he transitioned back to coaching club teams, taking charge of Austrian side SG Handball West Wien before moving to the German Bundesliga, where he led Füchse Berlin. Under his guidance, Füchse Berlin achieved a remarkable feat, winning the 2016 IHF Men’s Super Globe in a thrilling final against Paris Saint-Germain Handball with a score of 29:28.
Returning to the role of a national team coach, Richardsson found success with the Netherlands. He guided the team to their first-ever qualification for the EHF EURO in 2020 and further improved their performance in 2022, securing the 17th and 10th positions in the European competition.
This marks Richardsson’s first coaching experience outside of Europe, as he returns to his home country to lead ÍB Vestmannaeyja, the team where he played for 12 seasons.
Richardsson’s appointment also adds to the European presence in Asian handball, with Aron Kristjánsson being the other Icelandic coach in the Gulf, serving as Bahrain’s coach since 2021.
The Icelandic coach now faces the task of leading the Saudi side to their maiden berth at the Olympic Games. The Asian Men’s Handball Qualification for 2024 Olympic Games is scheduled to take place in Doha from October 18 – 28, 2023. Additionally, he will aim to make a mark at the 21st AHF Asian Men’s Handball Championship, set to be held in Bahrain from January 14 – 25, 2024.
