Mr Weiland, how does one go from HSV to SailGP?
About two years ago, the cousin of SailGP coach Lennart Briesenick did an internship with me at HSV. During our conversation, it emerged that, although he was interested in football, he wasn’t a footballer himself – he’s a sailor. We stayed in touch. At some point, he said I absolutely had to meet his cousin Lennart and have a chat with him about sports psychology. That’s how it all began.
More about SailGP:
Did you know what SailGP is before?
I’d come across it in the ZDF media library and found it really gripping – I was hooked straight away. Then I watched some clips on YouTube. It was clear to me then that I’d love to get to know Lennart Briesenick as an intriguing character in this team.
You are now their new sports psychologist.
Yes, and after ten years at the top level of football, I’m keen to bring my experience to a dynamic environment like SailGP. The team has come a long way in sporting terms. Now it’s about bringing that mental strength out onto the water. I can sense a real hunger for success within the team. Helping to shape this process is a fantastic challenge.
What else appeals to you?
Getting to know a completely new ground once again. At the moment, I’m also really looking forward to Sassnitz; after the brilliant matches at the Volksparkstadion, I’m keen to soak up the atmosphere at our home game.
How does a SailGP team differ from a football team?
When sailing, it’s not always possible for everyone to save each other’s backs in every situation. In football, a winger can also help out in defence in certain situations. A SailGP helmsman can’t just pop over to another part of the boat.
What is your first impression of the German team and its skipper, Erik Kosegarten-Heil?
I found the team to be very open and focused. Erik is someone who knows his own strengths. And that he’s good at what he does. Without a hint of arrogance or conceit. You can tell that he’s not just a man of the world, but also a very experienced sportsman with his own ideas about how top-level performance is achieved and works. That’s the beauty of it when you’ve already achieved it. It really shapes you.
What do you mean?
You know you can do it. It’s a solid foundation when you’ve already made it to the very top of the world.
What could be done to address this Achilles’ heel: the slow starts?
(Smiles) I would ask for your understanding on this point. Let’s say I did have an idea about this – if I were to talk about it now, it would be a bit like industrial espionage.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
