Kasper Hjulmand has stepped down from his role as Denmark’s men’s head coach.
The decision comes following the conclusion of the European Championship, where Denmark reached the last 16 but were defeated by hosts Germany.
Danish Football Association (DBU) football director Peter Moller and Hjulmand conducted a thorough review of the team’s performance, and their joint assessment led to the conclusion that a change at the helm was necessary. Morten Wieghorst has been appointed as the new manager on an interim basis until the new year.
Hjulmand, however, will remain involved in Danish football through a consultancy role with the cultural project Hele Danmarks Klubhus, aimed at fostering football development and creating new opportunities for future generations.
The 52-year-old expressed his gratitude and pride, highlighting the memorable moments and the deep connection he forged with the Danish fans.
“It has been an incredible honour and privilege to be allowed to coach our national team for four years,” he said. “I have given everything I had to achieve success and to get the people to rally around the team.
“Representing one’s country is absolutely the greatest thing I can imagine, and I will look back on a fantastic time with great support for our dream.
“When I look two years ahead to the World Cup, 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. It’s not about me. It’s about what’s best for the team.”
Hjulmand became Denmark’s manager in 2019, replacing Age Hareide following the expiration of his contract.
His tenure saw significant achievements, including guiding Denmark to a semi-final at Euro 2021, where they were eventually defeated 2-1 in extra time against England.
Denmark were also successful in qualification rounds for the World Cup and Euros tournaments, topping their groups on multiple occasions. However, the 2022 World Cup was disappointing, with Hjulmand’s side finishing bottom of their group in Qatar.
(Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images)
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