Domanski-Lyfors to step down

By Jan Juhlin

Sweden coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors is to step down after UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ after a decade in charge, with assistant Thomas Dennerby replacing her.

U21 role
Since taking up the post in 1995, Domanski-Lyfors has moulded Sweden into one of the dominant forces in women's football, reaching the final of WOMEN'S EURO 2001 and the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, losing each time to Germany. She will now work in player development and coach the Sweden Under-21 side.

'It feels great'
She said: "This is what I started out doing and it feels great to be able to do it again. The experience that I've gained over the years will hopefully be of good value when I help new talents break on to the international stage."

Dennerby steps up
In her place will be Dennerby, who became No2 to Domanski-Lyfors at the end of last year after leading Djurgården/Älsvjö to their second straight league title and starting a UEFA Women's Cup run that has taken them to next month's final.

'Great challenge'
Dennerby said: "This is a great challenge and with all the potential we've got in Swedish football I'm sure there's a bright future ahead. It feels great that I can carry on working with Marika. That gives us the continuity that is needed."

Fixture schedule
Domanski-Lyfors's side return to action on Saturday with a home friendly against Denmark, before further fixtures against the Netherlands on Tuesday and Canada on 29 May. Their WOMEN'S EURO Group A campaign begins against the Danes in Blackpool on 4 June and continues with games against Finland and hosts England.