Denmark's Olsen to retire in 2012
Monday, November 8, 2010
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After a decade in the job Denmark boss Morten Olsen has confirmed that UEFA EURO 2012 will be his last campaign as he seeks to give his employers plenty of time to find a successor.
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Morten Olsen has confirmed his plans to step down as Denmark coach after UEFA EURO 2012, when his contract with the Danish Football Association (DBU) expires.
"This will be my last qualification campaign," said the 61-year-old. "I have informed the DBU that I do not want to extend my contract. It is all very unremarkable: I am simply announcing this decision now because it is extremely important that the DBU have sufficient time to find the right replacement.
"Now it is all about getting the team to EURO 2012," added Olsen. "It is important that I hand over good players and a good team to my successor." He has a little work to do on that front: Denmark are third in Group H after three outings, though just three points adrift of leaders Norway and with a game in hand on second-placed Portugal. They welcome the Czech Republic in a 17 November friendly before resuming their campaign in Norway on 26 March.
Appointed Denmark coach in summer 2000, former AFC Ajax boss Olsen led the team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2004. Denmark topped their 2010 World Cup qualifying group, celebrating qualification with 1-0 win against Sweden in his 100th match in charge. It secured a remarkable double: Olsen also won 102 caps in a playing career spanning 19 years, successive UEFA European Championships and the 1986 World Cup.
