The European Judo Championships are the first big test for Matthias Kasse after returning from a successful coach: “I want to win this European Championships” | Judo

Matthias Kaas looked comfortable on the judo mat during the recent training camp for the European Championships in Montpellier. Does the return of Al-Najah coach Mark van der Ham, succeeding Damiano Martinozzi, have anything to do with this?

“After Damiano left, Mark’s return seemed like the best option. Judo Flanders listened to all the judokas and the choice of Mark was absolutely unanimous. So I’m glad they listened to how the judokas saw it.”

Eighteen months after being selected for Azerbaijan, Van der Ham returned. “I think Mark felt like he was coming home after his new adventure in Azerbaijan.”

“It feels very familiar to me, although it also requires some adjustment. The training is a little different and the focus is also a little different towards competitions. Mark now has an additional year of experience in a completely different environment. This also gives us new skills and ideas. And the emphasis on what “We can get more of it.”

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Van der Ham chose to venture to Azerbaijan rather than a long stay in Godot Flanders a year and a half ago. “It was after a good, but unpleasant, consultation,” says the Dutchman.

“Although the federation and the judo players did not like this decision, they wished me the best.” And now he’s back. “I had the opportunity to give back, so it wasn’t a difficult choice. I’m grateful to work with the athletes out there.”

“In Azerbaijan I was in charge of the youth and elite. Things went well for the youth, but not everyone was at the same level for the Olympic team. So I didn’t have the feeling that I could achieve what I wanted to achieve. I really enjoyed there, but quitting was the best option.” .

Van der Ham is now working with his successor, Udo Quelmals. “Our cooperation is very good. We complement each other well. On the one hand, I guide a number of judokas towards the Olympics and on the other hand, I help Dirk (Van Tischelt) with his junior team and Odo with the seniors.” As best as possible.”

“Of course a lot has changed since I left, but we immediately brought back Mathias, both on and off the pitch. I don’t look back negatively on the fact that our first tournament together was anything but sublime.”

“We made a good out of it. But we’ll keep it to ourselves.” Cass himself was a little more frank about it.

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Casse has already completed one tournament under Mark van der Ham, but the Grand Slam in Baku wasn’t quite as successful. The vice world champion was eliminated in the second round.

Casse isn’t too worried about that. He added, “This early exit was a combination of various factors and was certainly not a prelude to the European Championship. After the change of coach, my body still had to get used to the new training.”

“I still lack some speed, because I lifted a lot of heavy weights. The focus then was on getting stronger, but those are not fast movements. Now I have converted that accumulated strength into fast movements and reached my peak at the European Championships. I am ready and I will be there in Montpellier.

Casey completed the final training session with joy and confidence. With a silver medal at the World Championships and gold at the Masters, he could already be looking at two of the three major goals this season. The European Championships must be his third peak moment.

In recent years, Cass has medaled at major tournaments and wants to honor that status again. “I would really like to become European champion again. That was since 2019.”

“I’ve been on the podium every year since then, but gold always tastes a little better. I’m injury-free and I’m trying to maintain that until the start of the European Championships. I also feel good, and I’m happy with the win.” “Judo mat, so I don’t see any reason why I can’t be there.”