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 Raoul Ehren, coach of the Netherlands women’s hockey team…
How did you prepare for the new FIH Hockey Pro League season after winning the European Championship?
We first took a short break after the Euros and let the club season get started. After two weeks of competition, we resumed central training with the Dutch Women’s National Team on October 1st. Every Monday and Tuesday we’re now back on the field preparing for the new season.
Of course, we evaluated the European Championship, both as a team and individually. Then we made new plans to ensure we can take the next step together as a group.
You won the FIH Hockey Pro League last year; how do you rate your chances for this season?
As the Netherlands, we have a responsibility to go for the win in every match we play. It makes sense that we’re once again seen as the favourites. We’re aiming to win the Pro League again this season, we want to win everything we possibly can. Especially now that there’s an Olympic ticket to play for!
Will you approach this FIH Hockey Pro League season differently now that there’s an Olympic ticket to win?
This season is definitely different from the last one. Last year was a post-Olympic year, with new coaching staff and many young players we could give opportunities to. Ten young players made their debut in the Pro League last season. The chances of that happening again this year are not that big. We’ll also be missing the Under-21 players during the first Pro League block, as they’ll be competing at the Junior World Cup.
The fact that there’s now an Olympic ticket up to win makes the Pro League even more exciting. Everyone will be determined to get the best possible results. It would be fantastic to secure that Olympic ticket before the World Cup, that’s absolutely our goal.
What does the FIH Hockey Pro League mean to you?
As head coach, I really enjoy playing matches, that’s always the most fun part of hockey. The Pro League games are great moments of measurement, to see where we stand. I love the competitive element. The top nine teams in the world are competing, which makes it really special to play matches like these. I’m definitely looking forward to it!
Another great thing about the Pro League is that we often play in front of packed stadiums. In Argentina it’s always full, I haven’t been to China yet, so I don’t know what it’s like there, but in Belgium, with their new stadium, it’ll surely be packed. And of course, we also play in front of enthusiastic and full crowds in the Netherlands.
What do your players learn from the FIH Hockey Pro League?
Playing matches is what they love most! It’s a great honour to represent your country and to be able to show what you can do on that stage. Doing that in front of full stadiums adds an extra dimension to the whole experience.
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