Anja Andersen’s time at Oltchim is over

Anja Andersen’s tenure as Oltchim’s coach lasted only one month and four days. The Dane was appointed on 03 February 2011, three days before the Romanian champions were to play against Budućnost Podgorica.

One month and two losses after this surprise decision, Anja was released from her contract by Oltchim’s management.

The main reasons behind this decision are reportedly the lack of positive results and the slim chances to advance to the semi-finals of the EHF Women’s Champions League.

The Dane’s performance on Oltchim’s bench was far from impressive: two victories and two defeats.

After winning against Budućnost Podgorica, the Romanian side lost to Itxako Reyno de Navarra, managed to earn a hard-fought win at home over Krim Ljubljana and lost again against the Spanish leaders at home in Sala Sporturilor “Traian”, the latter match resulting in Andersen being sacked.

“After the loss against Itxako, the team management met with Anja Andersen and decided by mutual consent that the contract between the two sides will be revoked. With immediate effect, Anja Andersen is not Oltchim’s coach. We are still searching for a replacement, we are in contact with two coaches,” said Oltchim’s president, Ioan Gavrilescu.

The main favorite to replace Andersen was Radu Voina, Romania’s coach and the man who helped Oltchim to reach the EHF Women’s Champions League final last season. But according to the Romanian news agency Mediafax, Voina refuses to be Oltchim’s new coach. Another possibility would be Aurelian Roşca, the Romanian side’s assistant coach for the last three years.