Shane McLeod bids farewell to the Red Lions on a highlight. The New Zealander led the Belgian hockey players to the Olympic title in Tokyo in shootouts against Australia on Thursday for the first time in their history.
“I am very happy, it is a special and moving day. That I can end my coaching career with a European title, a world title and an Olympic title, such stories cannot be written. Nobody believes it, ”McLeod said.
McLeod took charge of the Lions at the end of 2015. The following summer, they immediately took silver in Rio. The Belgians subsequently became world champions in 2018 and European champions in 2019. The ultimate crowning followed in Japan. “It has been a process of getting all the pieces of the puzzle together. I always had a clear idea of what needed to be done and always believed we could make it happen. “
The New Zealander leaves his place to his Dutch assistant Michel van den Heuvel. ” One thing at a time. Very few coaches can retire in time. This is a profession in which you are fired or will be fired. It’s a vicious circle. I think it’s one of my biggest achievements to have been able to lead this team for six years, ”concluded McLeod.
