BOSTON – Marco Sturm is no stranger to the intensity of Boston Bruins fans.He experienced it firsthand when he was traded for Joe Thornton,a former No. 1 overall pick and future Hart Trophy winner. Now, he’s back in Boston, this time as the team’s head coach.

“It was not my fault,wasn’t it?” Sturm told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday,where he was introduced as the new coach. “I got here, and it was difficult. I’m not going to lie. We read newspapers, social networks or even on the street, people tell you.”

Despite the initial challenges, Sturm sees the passion of the bruins fans as a motivator. “But it motivates you too. And I saw it positively,” he said. “I have very good memories here. And I know that supporters, as soon as they feel something good here, support you.I know it. It can also go the other way. But I don’t want to talk about it. I want to move forward.”

Sturm, a three-time Olympian and a first-round pick in the 1996 draft, spent five of his 14 NHL seasons with the Bruins. He brings a wealth of experience,including coaching Germany to a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and six years with the Los Angeles Kings organization,most recently as head coach of thier American Hockey League affiliate.

The 46-year-old replaces Joe Sacco, who served as interim coach after Jim Montgomery’s dismissal in November. Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney emphasized the importance of hiring a coach “who understands our supporters and who appreciates the same values: being incredibly dedicated each evening” as the team embarks on a rebuilding phase after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The press conference was held at the Bruins’ offices overlooking Causeway Street and the TD Garden.Former captain Patrice Bergeron,who assisted on Sturm’s overtime goal in the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park,was present to show his support.

Sturm admitted that coaching wasn’t initially on his radar. Though, he discovered his passion for it while working with his own children and later as head coach and general manager of the German national team in 2015.

“This is where I really realized that it was for me,” he said. “This is where I found my passion. This is where I excel. And then you have to go further.”

He dedicated six years to his coaching career in Los Angeles, away from his wife and children.

“I was continuing my dream,” said Sturm, “adding that boston was missing to his children, now 19 and 21, since their departure. My children grew up there. They have always dreamed of coming back. And here I am. Now their wish is granted.”

Sturm emphasized that he wouldn’t have accepted just any coaching position. He was drawn to the Bruins because of their strong goaltending with Jeremy Swayman and a solid core of players, including Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak, who could contend for a playoff spot if healthy.

The Bruins have also bolstered their roster with draft picks and young talent acquired through trades, including one involving Brad Marchand, the only remaining player from the 2011 Stanley cup-winning team.

After six consecutive seasons with over 100 points, including a Presidents’ Trophy in 2023 with NHL records of 65 wins and 135 points, the Bruins finished the last campaign with only 76 points. Only three teams fared worse.

“Each job, whether you are in Boston or not, will be a challenge. but it’s a good challenge. I like the challenges,” Sturm said. “I know the expectations here,but provided that I work and prepare,I know that I will be in a good situation.”

“each job, whether you are in Boston or not, will be a challenge. But it’s a good challenge. I like the challenges,”