Laudrup makes his mark

Michael Laudrup has wasted little time in making his mark at Brøndby IF, telling six players, including Swedish international Magnus Svensson, that they have no future at the Danish club.

First coaching position
Laudrup, the revered former Danish international, took training for the first time on Monday in what is his maiden coaching position and immediately informed Svensson, who played in all four of Sweden's games at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, that his contract will not be renewed when it expires on 31 December.

Retirement not an option
Brøndby's decision came as no surprise to the 33-year old midfield player, who now seems likely to return to Halmstads BK in his homeland. "We'll have to see how things proceed but I definitely expect to carry on playing football, whether it will be in Halmstad or abroad," said Svensson.

'A brilliant player'
Svensson joined Brøndby, the current Danish champions, from Halmstad in 1999 and Jonas Thern, coach of the Allsvenskan side, is keen to bring the player back to southern Sweden. "We have contacted Magnus and if he wants to come back we'll be happy to take him," Thern said. "He's a brilliant player and was a great performer during the World Cup."

Seeking moves
In addition to Svensson, Peter Degn, Kenneth Rasmussen, Mikkel Jensen, Oumar Barro and Peter Foldgast were all told they do not have a future at Brøndby, who are in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.