Hjulmand steps down as Denmark manager after disappointing Euro outing

Kasper Hjulmand

Kasper Hjulmand said Friday that Denmark needed “new ideas” after resigning as head coach following the last 16 defeat at Euro 2024.

Hjulmand, 52, had been in the position since May 2020 before stepping down after June 29’s loss to hosts Germany.

He led Denmark to the European Championship’s semi-finals three years ago before being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup group stage.

“I can feel that it will be best for the team that a new face and new ideas come in, who can write a new big chapter for this amazing team, and therefore it is best, that someone else leads the team forward,” Hjulmand said in a Danish Football Association (DBU) statement.

“It’s not about me. It’s about what’s best for the team,” he said.

Hjulmand’s assistant coach Morten Wieghorst will replace him until the end of the year, which will include Nations League games against Switzerland, Serbia and Euro 2024 champions Spain.

“We have a fantastic pool of talent in Danish football, and I am very much looking forward to tackling the tasks in the autumn,” former Celtic defender Wieghorst said.

“Together with the staff and the players, I will give everything so that we can achieve success in the exciting matches in the Nations League,” he added.

AFP