Esbjerg fB head coach Sancheev Manoharan has delivered his assessment of the 2025/26 campaign, describing it as a season of clear progress despite narrowly missing out on promotion to the Superliga.
Season Highlights and Team Development
The club’s initial target was a place in the top-six round, which was secured with room to spare. As results improved, ambitions grew, and the promotion race remained alive until the final matchday. Esbjerg also advanced to the quarterfinals of the DBU Cup.
Manoharan characterized the season as a strong step forward for both the team and the club’s identity, pointing to improvements on the pitch and in the daily culture around the squad. He highlighted the players’ consistent work ethic and the group’s ability to embrace higher expectations once the top-six objective had been met.
While acknowledging disappointment at falling just short of the top two, he noted that few had predicted Esbjerg would still be competing for promotion on the last day. In his view, that context underlines how far the squad has come.
The 39-year-old, appointed in June 2025, said his first year in charge had been both challenging and formative. He pointed to periods of strong form and tougher stretches but emphasized that the team maintained belief and continued to develop throughout.
Looking ahead, Manoharan identified the need for greater consistency across longer runs of games and sharper execution in tight moments. He said many players had taken significant steps individually and collectively, gaining experience that forms an important base for the next phase of development.
He credited the broader first-team staff—coaches, performance personnel, medical staff, and support staff—for creating strong daily conditions that contributed to the season’s level. He also recognized the backing from supporters at home and away, describing it as an important factor behind the team’s push. Esbjerg now turns to the post-summer period aiming to build on this foundation and take the next steps toward promotion.