Pokel remains optimistic: Lions are on the right track despite defeats!

Pokel remains optimistic: Lions are on the right track despite defeats!

The Lions Frankfurt have had an eventful week under their new coach Tom Pokel. After the separation from Tom Rowe, which took place just four days before Pokel's appointment as head coach, the Frankfurt team are currently in 12th place in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). A clear 0:8 against ERC Ingolstadt was followed by two more defeats: 2:5 against Bremerhaven and 1:3 against the Straubing Tigers, meaning Pokel experienced his first home defeat as coach of the Lions. By then he and his team had won three home victories and there was definitely hope for improvement.

Pokel's return to the Straubing Tigers was an emotional highlight, as it was the first meeting since his departure in February. Despite the defeat, Pokel was proud to meet former players and staff and emphasized that the memories of their time together in Straubing left a positive note. He describes his work as a coach at the Lions as progressive and sees progress in the team, even if the results are not yet entirely satisfactory.

Progress despite setbacks

In his analysis after the game against the Tigers, Pokel expressed his confidence that the team would implement the new tactics better. “We saw fighting spirit and the ability to react after falling behind,” said the coach. He makes it clear that the Lions need to work on their efficiency, especially when shooting on goal and in strategic play. He cited turnovers, i.e. unnecessary losses of the puck, as common mistakes that need to be addressed. “This can get better with more training and repetition,” explains Pokel.

Another point that is close to his heart is the balance between self-confidence and negligence. Especially after winning games, the players seem to have difficulties in the first thirds of the following games. “We have to learn that not every attack can end in a goal and that strategic thinking is more important,” Pokel calls on his team to continue to develop themselves and their game.

Prospects for the lions

The goal for the Lions remains to free themselves from the bottom of the table and build on their successes. Pokel, who has signed a contract until 2027 and previously worked for the Straubing Tigers for eight years, is sports director Jan Barta's preferred candidate. This particularly highlights Pokel's experience and ability to secure the location, which is of great importance for the Lions in this tense situation.

The coming games could be decisive in determining whether the Lions Frankfurt find their way back to their old strength. “We have to concentrate on the next challenges and continue to improve our game,” concludes Pokel optimistically, showing that continuity and trust in the process are necessary even in difficult times.