Norway coach Martin Sjogren resigns after early Euro 2022 exit
Norway coach Martin Sjogren and assistant Anders Jacobson have agreed to resign following a disappointing Euro 2022 group stage exit.
The Lions came into the tournament as the seventh highest ranked team in Europe and had become dark horse contenders in the eyes of many thanks to the return of Ada Hegerberg after a five-year self-imposed absence from international football.
They began strongly enough, tearing apart Northern Ireland in the first half of their opening game. But Norwegian hopes took a battering in a surprise European Championship record 8-0 defeat to England, before they crashed out altogether after narrowly losing to Austria in game three.
Sjogren has been in charge since the start of 2017. His side exited that tournament without a point or a goal, but there were signs of improvement with a quarter-final place at the 2019 World Cup.
He was handed a contract extension until 2023 last year, but already with a plan in place to review performance following this summer’s tournament. The disappointment of a group stage exit has led the Norwegian federation to consider a change necessary, but as per their agreement Sjogren and Jacobson will be compensated for the full contract until next August.
“Having the opportunity to lead Norway's national team for five and a half years, including three championships, has been a special time in my coaching career and I take with me many good and developing experiences from my time in Norway,” Sjogren said.
“The conditions before this championship were clear and we had high ambitions. When the results did not match expectations, it was a natural solution that we now go our separate ways.
National team captain Maren Mjelde said, “On behalf of the player group, I want to thank Martin and Anders for the time we have had together. After a tough start in the European Championships 2017, we have worked hard together to build a good unity, and we have succeeded.
“Despite the downturn in this summer's European Championships, we take with us many good memories. We wish Martin and Anders all the best for the future.”
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!