Sport Served

Brøndby IF parts ways with Steve Cooper and appoints Julius Ohnesorge as director of football

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Brøndby IF has officially concluded its partnership with head coach Steve Cooper the day after the season’s final match, announcing the appointment of Julius Ohnesorge as the club’s new director of football. This decision comes as part of a strategic move to enhance the club’s performance and direction.

Changes in Coaching Staff and Leadership

Cooper departs from the club with immediate effect, alongside assistant coach Alan Tate. He took charge in September last year, during which the team experienced a series of inconsistent performances and results. The club’s leadership made this decision based on the team’s displays and outcomes, which did not align with the expected standards, even though there was visible progress in certain areas. They extended their gratitude to both Cooper and Tate for their dedication and contributions during their tenure.

In a pivotal move, Ohnesorge steps into the director of football role immediately. Having joined Brøndby in the summer of 2025 as technical director, he was focused on fostering better alignment across the club’s sporting framework. He succeeds Benjamin Schmedes, who is transitioning to become the sporting director at the German league body, the DFL.

Club officials have expressed strong confidence in Ohnesorge’s capabilities, highlighting his success in strengthening ties between the first team and the Masterclass academy, as well as his adeptness in navigating the transfer market and negotiations. Following Schmedes’ announcement earlier in the spring about his departure this summer, Brøndby undertook a thorough search and ultimately selected Ohnesorge over a select group of external candidates.

Looking ahead, Ohnesorge has emphasized that the next phase will be centered around reconnecting the team with the club’s identity and culture. His goal is to reinforce that foundational ethos both on and off the pitch while supporting Brøndby’s sporting development and ambitions.

With these significant changes in leadership, Brøndby will now initiate the process of hiring a new head coach. Both Ohnesorge and a representative from the club’s leadership are scheduled to address the media on Tuesday, providing further insights into the club’s future direction.