By Nicklas Thygesen
Yesterday it emerged that Oscar Carlén will be the West Jutlanders' incoming head coach from the summer of 2026. But until then Kasper Søndergaard will carry out the duties, before he returns to his familiar role as assistant coach.
– I am really looking forward to finishing this season. On the one hand the break has been good. We needed it. Many profiles have taken a big load, and we have been hit by injuries. On the other hand we were playing well and had momentum, which we now must try to find again. But I cannot see that we are worse off than before Christmas considering that we will get Buric and Midtgaard back to top form, is Søndergaard's assessment.
The clarification regarding the head coach position has been underway for some time, and Søndergaard did not need long to say yes to the collaboration with the Swedish master coach from Ystad.
- The situation around the head coach position has of course been present, and has set some thoughts in motion for me. But there was not much deliberation on my part about continuing as assistant coach under Carlén. It is a great gig to be allowed to work with another skilled coach.
“He will win at any cost”
The coming coaching duo have faced each other before - both on the national team and at club level - but this summer they will stand side by side in the job for the greens.
– He has won a bit of everything, and I look forward to seeing what he brings – and what I can absorb. My impression is very positive. He seems extremely likeable, but I have also played against him and know how crazy and talented he was back then. A type who would win at any cost and could do it all, says Søndergaard.
- Regarding my role as assistant coach, I will bring what I am asked for. As an assistant you should not always interfere too much, but gladly contribute. The most important thing is to create calm and support the boss – while daring to ask quiet questions. It is a balancing act.
⁃ But right now my only focus is on delivering the best results together with the team in the final part of the season, and I am really looking forward to that, says Kasper Søndergaard.
