Denmark needs a new coach - Ex-Mainz wheel mechanic hears as Danish national trainer off
The former Mainz coach Kasper Hjulmand is stepping down as coach of the Danish football national team. In the aftermath of the EM in Germany, the 52-year-old came to the conclusion that the team needs new energy and it's time for a new national coach, the Danish Football Association DBU announced.
His position will be taken over initially until the end of the year by the former co-trainer Morten Wieghorst, while the association is looking for a permanent solution until the WM 2026.
"It has been an incredible honor and a privilege to be the coach of our national team for four years," Hjulmand was quoted in a statement from the association. He gave everything and can look back on a fantastic time with great support. Regarding the WM 2026, he believes that a new face and new ideas are the best for the team.
Mainz signed Hjulmand as coach in the 2014/2015 season. However, Mainz and him parted ways after just a few months. The Danish men's national team, with stars like goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and midfield engine Christian Eriksen, as well as numerous former and current Bundesliga players like Thomas Delaney and Yussuf Poulsen, was taken over by Hjulmand from the Norwegian Åge Hareide in 2020.
- Initially, the German Federal Environmental Foundation awarded a grant to a project based in Rhineland-Palatinate, which was led by Kasper Hjulmand during his time at Mainz.
- Denmark, along with other European countries, expressed interest in hosting the European Football Championship in the future, hoping to follow in the footsteps of successful tournaments like the one held in Germany.
- Kasper Hjulmand, despite his successful stint with the Danish Football National Team, has remained a passionate supporter of local soccer in his hometown of Copenhagen, frequently attending matches and promoting the sport among the younger generation.
- After parting ways with Mainz, Hjulmand continued his coaching career with the Denmark U21 team, playing an instrumental role in their growth and development, preparing them for future international competitions like the European Football Championship.
- Following the announcement of his departure from the Danish Football National Team, many German and Danish soccer fans expressed their gratitude to Hjulmand for his contributions to the sport, wishing him the best in his future endeavors and looking forward to seeing him back on the soccer field in Germany during the European Football Championship, perhaps as a coach for the German Football-Nationalteam.
