Laudrup takes charge at Brøndby

Danish champions Brøndby IF named Michael Laudrup as their new coach on Monday.

Two-year deal
The well-respected former Denmark international has agreed a two-year contract with Brøndby and according to a club statement will officially take charge of the first team on 1 July. Laudrup is currently on duty at the FIFA World Cup finals in Korea/Japan as assistant to Denmark coach Morten Olsen.

Footballing philosophy
Laudrup was delighted to agree terms with Brøndby for what will be his first senior coaching position. "It has been important for me in my choice of club, that their football philosophy fits in with my own," he said.  "At Brøndby first and foremost we want to win, but that will be alongside playing attacking, entertaining football and we will try to have a high level of ball possession.

'Fun and exciting'
"Even though it's been 20 years since I played at Brøndby, I still feel that I know the club really well," added the former forward. "Many of those who were at the club when I left to go to Italy are still there.  It is going to be fun and exciting to return as the coach."

'Delight for our fans'
The club's administrative director Per Bjerregaard believes Laudrup's footballing experience will be of huge benefit to the club. "It is completely fantastic for us to announce that Michael Laudrup will be our new coach," he said. "A man who has played amongst the best in the world and has been at the world's biggest football clubs will be a scoop for the players, the whole club and a big delight for our fans."

Exceptional playing career
Laudrup is regarded as one of Denmark's greatest ever footballers. After starting his career with Brøndby, he went on to represent S.S. Lazio, Juventus FC, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF and AFC Ajax. He is also the second most-capped Danish international with 104 appearances for his country.