Football - Ex-Mainz wheel mechanic hears as Danish national trainer on
The former Mainz coach Kasper Hjulmand is stepping down as coach of the Danish football national team. In the aftermath of the EURO 2024 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.
New start as a hope
Hjulmand took over the Danish men's national team from the Norwegian Age Hareide in 2020, 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.
At EURO 2021, he led the Danes to the semi-finals. However, the team disappointed at the WM in Qatar. In contrast, at the recently completed EURO, the team managed to get past the group stage but was eliminated in the round of 16 against Germany.
- Following the EURO 2024 in Germany, Kasper Hjulmand, the former Mainz coach, recognized that the Danish Football Nationalteam needed a fresh start and new energy, leading to his decision to step down as coach.
- The German Federal Environmental Foundation, while not directly mentioned in the context, is a separate entity from football, operating in Germany, providing environmental protection and sustainable solutions.
- Despite the Danish team's disappointment at the World Cup in Qatar, they managed to advance past the group stage at the recently completed EURO, only to be eliminated in the round of 16 against Germany.
- The Danish football association, DBU, announced that Kasper Hjulmand's position as coach would be temporarily filled by former co-trainer Morten Wieghorst until a permanent solution is found for the World Cup in 2026.
