Kasper Hjulmand, the head coach of Denmark's national football team, has resigned, paving the way for "a new face" and "new ideas" ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as announced by the Danish Football Association.
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The head coach of Denmark, Kasper Hjulmand, has resigned from his position, opening the door for "a new face" and "new ideas" with a view towards the 2026 World Cup, the Danish Football Association (DBU) announced this Friday.
"It has been an incredible honor and privilege to coach our national team for four years," said the 52-year-old Dane Kasper Hjulmand, as quoted in the DBU's statement.
Denmark was eliminated by the host Germany (2-0) in Euro 2024, after qualifying in the last minute for the Round of 16 with only two goals scored and three draws in the group stage.
"As the World Cup approaches, two years from now, I realize that it would be better for the team to have a new face and new ideas to write a new chapter for this fantastic team," he stated.
Hjulmand led Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 (held in 2021 due to COVID-19), where they were eliminated by England, before a disappointing World Cup in Qatar in 2022, where the Danes exited in the group stage despite being in a seemingly manageable group.
Assistant coach Morten Wieghorst will take over as interim head coach until the end of the year.
Hjulmand's tenure has been marked by both remarkable achievements and unexpected setbacks. The high point of his time as head coach was undoubtedly the inspiring run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020, where Denmark captivated the football world with their resilience and spirited performances, especially following Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest on the field. The team's ability to rally and advance to the final four, where they narrowly lost to England, was a testament to Hjulmand's leadership and the squad's unity.
However, the subsequent World Cup in Qatar brought disappointment. Despite high expectations, Denmark struggled to find their form and failed to progress beyond the group stage. This underwhelming performance led to scrutiny and questions about the team's direction under Hjulmand's guidance.
The recent Euro 2024 campaign was equally challenging. Denmark managed to reach the knockout stages but their journey was cut short by Germany, the tournament hosts, highlighting the team's ongoing struggles in major competitions.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the DBU and Hjulmand mutually agreed that a fresh perspective might benefit the national team. The decision to step down allows Hjulmand to leave on his own terms, with his legacy intact, while giving Denmark ample time to find a successor who can build on his work and prepare the squad for the upcoming World Cup cycle.
Morten Wieghorst, who steps in as interim head coach, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days and his coaching career. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, Wieghorst will aim to steady the ship and ensure a smooth transition as the DBU searches for a permanent replacement. His immediate focus will be on maintaining team morale and performance during the remainder of the year, ensuring that Denmark remains competitive in their upcoming fixtures.
Updated: 04:38, 19 Jul 2024
