Danish Superliga club Brondby IF has terminated the contract of head coach Steve Cooper with immediate effect, following a disappointing season that saw the team finish fourth in the league.
The Welsh manager, along with assistant coach Alan Tate, was dismissed on May 23, 2026, just one day after the final match of the season.
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Cooper had signed a three-year deal last September but managed only 10 wins, six draws, and 12 defeats in 28 fixtures.
The decision came after a 1-3 extra-time loss to rivals FC Copenhagen, which ended Brondby's hopes of qualifying for the Conference League.
The club also restructured its sporting management, promoting technical director Julius Ohnesorge to football director, replacing Benjamin Schmedes, who moved to the German league organization DFL.
"By hiring Steve, we made a choice that we both believed and hoped could lift the club to a new level.
We have done so in several aspects, but neither the results nor the performances on the pitch have followed suit.
That is why we have chosen to say goodbye to both Steve and Alan today," said Scott McLachlan, vice-chairman of Brondby's board.
McLachlan expressed appreciation for the coaching staff despite the premature termination.
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"We send them on with our great respect and gratitude for their efforts and commitment to the club."
New Direction for Brondby
Newly appointed Football Director Julius Ohnesorge outlined his vision for the club's future. "Brondby IF must stand for something clear.
A team, a culture and a direction that every fan can identify with and be proud of," he said.
Ohnesorge acknowledged the recent lack of consistency. "We have not been consistent enough to demonstrate that recently.
Especially during a challenging period for the club."
He emphasized a return to the club's traditional core identity.
"Therefore, we have jointly decided to begin a new chapter, which is based on rediscovering the connection to the foundation and the shoulders on which we stand in Brondby IF."
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Media speculation has linked several candidates to the vacant position, including Bo Henriksen, Thomas Norgaard, Thomas Letsch, Ian Cathro, and Henrik Rydstrom.
