As we inch ever closer to the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season on 9 December, we are excited to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players and coaches from the world’s top hockey nations participating in the “League of the Best”.
This series will dive into the minds of the sport’s finest athletes and coaches, uncovering their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals, and the strategies their teams are crafting to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide a unique glimpse into the passion, preparation, and drive that fuel the teams vying for glory.
In today’s interview we speak with Jeroen Delmee, coach of the Netherlands men’s hockey team…
How did you prepare for the new FIH Hockey Pro League season after winning silver at the European Championship?
We’ve prepared like we do for every season. Over the past period, the focus has partly been on the club competition, while we’ve also had weekly training sessions with the national team. The biggest challenge is getting the players physically ready for the intense Pro League blocks. In Santiago del Estero, for example, we’re playing four matches in five days in very warm conditions. That’s quite different from playing one match a week in the cool Dutch climate.
Last year you won the FIH Hockey Pro League. How do you rate your chances for this season?
I’d say our chances are about the same as last year. The level at the top of men’s hockey is extremely close. Yes, we’re contenders to win the Pro League again, but the same goes for several other nations. Once again, I expect the final few matches will decide who will be the champion. Since there’s an Olympic ticket to win this time, I expect teams will focus even more on results towards the end of the competition, and a bit less on long-term development.
Are you approaching this FIH Hockey Pro League season differently now that there’s an Olympic ticket to win? If so, what’s different for your team?
Not really. Of course, it would be great to secure that ticket to the LA Olympics as early as possible. But the Pro League is also an essential part of our preparation for next year’s World Cup. We still want to use the Pro League to further develop young players and give them international experience. It’s simply not possible to play every match with the same lineup, given how challenging the schedule is. But if we’re in a good position towards the end of the season, there’s a real chance we’ll shift our focus slightly more towards results than development.
What does the FIH Hockey Pro League mean to you?
The Pro League is a fantastic tournament with great matches. It’s an important part of our preparation for major international championships. It allows us to measure ourselves against the world’s best teams, to give newcomers a taste of international hockey and valuable experience, and of course, it’s a great title to win. Being able to call yourself the best in the world over 16 matches is something to be proud of, and something that truly matters.
What do your players learn from the FIH Hockey Pro League?
To perform under pressure and to get more familiar with international hockey. It’s completely different from club hockey and requires a different set of skills and qualities from the players.
What do you enjoy most about the FIH Hockey Pro League?
In addition to what I mentioned earlier, it’s also special and valuable to travel with the team. Going on trips together to places like Australia, Argentina, or India is of immense value. And when you get to play in front of packed stadiums… that’s exactly what players and coaches live for.
