Olli Kunnari is the head coach of the Finnish men’s national team. Mikko Esko’s title is general manager. Kunnari continues as the head coach of Akaa-Volley. Esko talks about his career like Jari Litmanen.
Roope Visuri,
Samu Saatsi
The new head coach of the Finnish men’s national volleyball team is Olli Kunnari. The new general manager has been appointed Mikko Esko. Esko will join the Finnish Volleyball Federation under a contract valid for the time being. Kunnar’s contract is a model of 2+2 years.
From Kunnar, the title of head coach sounds really good.
– I am infinitely grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me. I humbly accept this. Above all, I am excited about this, Kunnari described his mood at the press conference.
Olli Kunnari ended his playing career in 2020. After that he moved to coaching. He has worked as the head coach of Akaa-Volley this season. Kunnari will also continue as the head coach of Akaa-Volley. His contract with Akaa-Volley is still valid until next season, and according to Kunnar, the national team’s head coach won’t affect that.
– I feel that I am ready (to be Finland’s head coach). The same thing as a player continues. This is self-development, Kunnari said.
Kunnari told in an interview a year ago that his goal is to coach the Finnish national team in the future. Kunnari told Urheilu now that he would not have thought it would happen so quickly.
– Yes, this has come quite quickly after that. When the opportunity came, I wanted to do it, Kunnari said.
When Kunnari asked, he was immediately interested in the pest.
– It didn’t take long to think when asked about willingness. Definitely interested. We wondered with the family if it was really possible. The family gave the green light, so we started negotiating with the union, Kunnari describes.
Esko, also as the second coach of the national team, will not end his playing career
Mikko Esko has played this season as a passer for VaLePa.
– I am really excited. When this (general manager position) was proposed to me, it came as a surprise. When I started to taste it, it started to interest me more and more. My career is at that stage that I decided to take the opportunity, Esko described and told that he will also work as the national team’s second coach next summer.
– When the national team season ends, I am involved in the development of Finnish players and clubs as well as improving the player path. In everything that develops Finnish volleyball.
Esko is not ending his playing career.
– I would like to be like Jari Litmanen. You can never say never. I will not end my playing career here, Esko described at the press conference.
Esko explained to Urheilu that he is unlikely to play next season.
– But you never know what will happen. The condition is good. Still enjoy playing. It’s still the best. I’m not ending my career yet, Esko said.
Esko told Urheillu that he was surprised by the first contact from the Volleyball Association.
– When I started thinking more about it, it started to feel better all the time at this age and at this point in my career, 45-year-old Esko said.
Urheilu reported at the beginning of December that Esko would become Finland’s head coach.
According to Esko, he has not discussed the Finnish head coach pesti at all.
– Olli and I have had a clear division of labor. We have lived in the same place in Sastamala. We have met quite a few times before the contracts have been signed. Olli and I are good friends. We have played many games in one national team and club team. I believe that our cooperation will be seamless, Esko said.
The national volleyball team will play in the European Golden League and European Championship qualifiers next summer. The head coach was washed open when the British Joel Banks pesti ended after the autumn European Championships.