Hamrén to step down as Sweden coach after EURO
Monday, February 1, 2016
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"I've had the best job in Swedish football for the past six and a half years," said Erik Hamrén, confirming that he will step down as national-team coach after UEFA EURO 2016.
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Erik Hamrén will leave his post as Sweden coach when his contract expires at the end of UEFA EURO 2016.
"I've had the best job in Swedish football for the past six and a half years," said the 58-year-old, adding: "It's not over. We still have at least seven matches ahead of us. We aim to have a good EURO."
Hamrén was hired in November 2009, following a successful career as a club coach in Scandinavia, having won league titles in Denmark and Norway — with Aalborg and Rosenborg respectively. He steered Sweden to UEFA EURO 2012 in his first full campaign and also led the Blågult to this summer's tournament in France.
At a press conference on Monday, Hamrén explained that he first informed the Swedish Football Federation (SvFF) of his plans during Sweden's trip to Abu Dhabi in January.
"I know that when Erik reaches a decision, he has thought it through," said SvFF general secretary Håkan Sjöstrand, who is already working on finding Hamrén's successor.
Expert view: The Hamrén years
When Hamrén was named Sweden coach, many saw him as the antithesis of his predecessor Lars Lagerbäck. Where the current Iceland coach represented defensive discipline, Hamrén came with a promise of bringing a more daring, attacking style – in Hamrén-speak known as "shining". Sweden certainly scored more goals in the Hamrén era than in the Lagerbäck one, but also conceded more. Hamrén led his team to two consecutive EURO final tournaments, but missed out on the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
During his time at the helm, Hamrén has got the best out of Zlatan Ibrahimović, who is now as prolific for Sweden as he is for his club side – which was not always the case in the past. The coach's lasting legacy, however, will hinge on how Sweden fare in France this summer.
So who might succeed him? Henrik Larsson, one of the nation's greatest players, is already being touted in the Swedish media, but the Helsingborg coach has limited experince. A more likely choice might be Håkan Ericson , who led Sweden to UEFA European Under-21 Championship success last summer.