In August, Mamelund prepared for his biggest handball adventure to date – out of the blue.

Mamelund moved back to Bærum after playing professionally at big clubs Nordhorn, Flensburg and Copenhagen and married his girlfriend Karoline Næss. He played for Haslum and started working as an accountant.

Profile space is saved. Likewise with the national team.

– Never thought of this

– I joked a few years ago that the only thing that could make me play at such a high level again was if Kiel called, but I didn’t consider that a big chance, Mamelund told NRK.

Together with his national team mates Kristian Bjørnsen and Thomas Kristensen, he sat in the car with NRK on the way to Gardemoen to leave for the EC in Poland.

– I never expected this, but it was really nice to play in the championship with Norway. After all, I had resigned and was busy working as an accountant, but I couldn’t say no to Kiel. “Luckily, I have a very kind and understanding wife,” Mamelund smiled.

New handball expert NRK praises Mamelund.

Someone who knows Mamelund well is NRK’s ​​new handball expert, Håvard Tvedten. The two played together on the national team for many years. Tvedten is looking forward to his new role.

– Will be fun. So we can hope that I will offer some words of wisdom. In the world of handball, we are used to constructive criticism and praise, so I hope my old teammates can tolerate it. I will be as honest as possible.

And he is. Dan began his work by praising his old teammates.

– Erlend has experienced a new spring. From auditors to the world’s best clubs. There is never a downside to routine. A team like Norway now, which has many experienced players, needs someone like Mamelund. Not only on the field, but also outside the field. He will be very important for Norway, Tvedten believes.

Good mix

– I have to use my experience and share it, said Mamelund, who in the past year has experienced playing in front of a home crowd of 11,000 every week at a club that exudes a winning mentality and the pressure is always huge.

Mamelund believes his squad containing regular and talented players is a positive thing.

– We have a mix of hungry young players and more experienced players like Erevik, Myrhol and myself. We can share previous championship experiences with younger students. Because it is tough both physically and mentally and being in the championship for a long time.

Norway opens the EC on Friday at 18.15 against Iceland. You can listen to the match on NRK P1.