Kasper Hjulmand Steps Down As Denmark Coach After Disappointing EURO 2024

Denmark manager, Kasper Hjulmand has stepped down from his post following his side’s last-16 elimination at Euro 2024, the Danish Football Federation has confirmed.

Following a remarkable journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2020, where they were defeated by England, Denmark managed to secure a place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages as the runners-up of Group C, finishing behind the Three Lions.

The Danes were unable to secure a victory in any of their three group matches, settling consecutive draws against Serbia, England, and Slovenia. They narrowly clinched second place over Slovenia due to a marginally better disciplinary record.

Denmark’s runners-up finish earned them a daunting last-16 date with hosts Germany, which was briefly suspended due to a thunderstorm in Dortmund, but Hjulmand’s side eventually succumbed to a 2-0 defeat thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala.

The Scandinavians’ departure was surrounded by controversy, with many believing that Joachim Andersen was unfairly penalized for the handball that resulted in Havertz’s penalty. Additionally, the Crystal Palace defender had a goal disallowed at Signal Iduna Park.

Denmark needs new ideas for the 2026 World Cup

After Denmark’s disappointing winless run at Euro 2024, Hjulmand announced on Friday that he would step down, stating that the 1992 European champions require new ideas ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to be allowed to coach our national team for four years. I have given everything I had to achieve success and to get the people to rally around the team,” Hjulmand told the official Denmark website.

“Representing one’s country is 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.

“We dreamed of bringing the children and young people closer to the national teams and, in general, making the national teams more relevant to the population. We have not succeeded in everything, but we have come a long way and have made the Danes dream big. I want to say a heartfelt thank you for the colossal support I’ve been met with everywhere I’ve come.

“The community with Danes of all ages and all parts of the country is something I will always remember and value. A special thank you also to everyone at DBU for the trust. Thanks to our amazing staff and a very heartfelt thank you to all the players I have worked with. It has been an honor.”

Hjulmand became Denmark’s head coach in August 2020, succeeding Age Hareide, who was originally set to lead the Red and Whites to Euro 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic pushed the tournament back a year.

After orchestrating the Danes’ remarkable journey to the semi-finals of that continental tournament, the 52-year-old guided his team to the 2022 World Cup Finals. However, they failed to impress in Qatar, exiting the group stage without securing a single victory.

Before the most recent World Cup, Hjulmand oversaw a pair of Nations League upsets against France as Denmark finished second in League A Group 1, just one point shy of winners Croatia.

The former Mainz 05 manager departs with a record of 33 wins, eight draws, and 14 losses from 55 matches in charge, boasting a 60% win rate the highest of any Denmark coach who has managed over 50 games.

Who will replace Hjulmand as Denmark manager?

Hjulmand’s assistant, Morten Wieghorst will step into the role of caretaker manager for the remainder of the calendar year, taking charge of six Nations League fixtures for the Red and Whites between September and November.

Denmark commences League A Group 4 with a clash against Switzerland on September 5, three days before reuniting with Euro 2024 group foes Serbia in Copenhagen.