LAOLA1: The widely expected overhaul at KAC didn't happen; there were only selective changes. Why was this decision made?
Furey: We believe in our key players. Together with the young players, we have a good foundation. We won the regular season twice in the last three years, reaching the final each time. Last season, we were in first place until the final matchday. Nevertheless, we had a few departures, and five new players arrived. That's a lot. We had more or less an entirely new line that we need to integrate. That takes some time; it's a daily process.
The goal is that we can win the last game in the end. Many people say: We need more changes, we are too old. But we know these players in our locker room. We believe that with the new players, we have brought in speed, game intelligence, physicality, and experience. We looked for some young players under 30, which hasn't been the case in the last few years. We have young talent and at the same time older players who know our way.
Unsere älteren Spieler sind sogar die fittesten. Das sind wirklich Führungsspieler.
LAOLA1: Is age just a number to you?
Furey: 100 percent. I can't say anything else because I played until I was 39. (laughs)
LAOLA1: The average age of the squad is 30.19 years. That is by far the highest value in the league.
Furey: That's not important to me. Of course, we have to pay attention to training intensity and recovery, but we know exactly what's good for us. It's important to us that we communicate regularly with the players and performance coaches to ensure we have the best team on the ice in terms of energy levels. Our game is all about skating and duels. That costs a lot of energy. The flip side is: if a key player leaves, what do you get back? You hear this question in all sports. Our older players are even the fittest. They are true leaders. They show the younger players how hard you have to work. What it means to eat and sleep properly. Some of them are already in the weight room at 7 AM.
LAOLA1: So you set standards and are role models for the young players.
Furey: Exactly. We have good Austrian and international players, are very satisfied with the squad, and are looking forward to this season.
LAOLA1: How important is the fact that Jan Mursak has returned for one more, final year?
Furey: He brings an incredible amount of energy to the team. He gives 100 percent in every practice. For us, it was a no-brainer to want to extend his contract. We are glad he is here.
LAOLA1: David Fischer is no longer by your side on the bench; he has left the club. You both started in the coaching business together; how painful was his departure?
Furey: It's a shame. I have to be honest: being able to work with him was world-class. That was an experience I will never forget.
LAOLA1: Christoph Brandner is the new Assistant Coach. What does he bring to the table?
Furey: I already had a connection with him. We worked together in the Alps Hockey League and also played together previously. They differ somewhat personally, but the most important thing for me is that someone has an opinion and contributes it – whether it's in front of the team or when we coaches sit together. Christoph brings a lot of experience, so it's good for me that he's with us. He last coached the U18 team. The way he thinks about the game is how we want to play.
LAOLA1: Your contract, on the other hand, was extended by three years immediately. What is your vision for KAC?
Furey: We want to win! The goal must also be to bring young players into the professional squad. But you have to earn it. When I was still playing, I never thought I'd be a professional coach. Today, it's a matter of the heart. It will be my 20th year in Klagenfurt; I work here with passion.
I am very grateful that the club gave me such a long contract. I believe that we have formed a great team over the last three years. The question is: What is success? Are you only successful if you win the championship title every year? Or also if you are consistent? Of course, every player and coach wants to be champion. I am simply very grateful and hope to be able to stay even longer.
Druck ist ein Privileg. (...) Freilich wollen wir Meister werden.
LAOLA1: Will a major overhaul eventually be necessary in the next three years?
Furey: I focus on the present. We have a plan for this year; I don't want to look too far into the future. However, the plan will not change significantly in the coming years. We focus on our core, then on new players and our own youth. If we lose talents like Johannes Dobrovolny, the plan has to change a bit. But I can only control the here and now. We always want to have an open ear; we have to listen to the players. The process will never be linear. It's always ups and downs, and what happens, happens. We want to focus on the present now – that's the most important thing.
LAOLA1: In Klagenfurt, only the championship title counts before every season. What makes you confident that it can work out this year?
Furey: Pressure is a privilege. I'm happy that the arena is full for every game. I am also very grateful to the fans for that. Our goal is to be able to offer them an exciting game every night. Of course, we want to become champions. But the pressure is high, especially when you've become champions so often. I also have to say: Since I became a coach, the fans have been really fair. They want to see honest effort. And I believe we can say that our players bring that effort every night. So that's our goal – and, of course, the championship title.
LAOLA1: Thank you for the interview!
