# Denmark captain leadership controversy and squad challenges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/denmark-national-team-captain-leadership-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-27T11:26:49.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

Following a 3-2 Nations League defeat to Norway, Denmark national team captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg drew criticism for remarks regarding head coach Brian Riemer’s tactical decisions. Højbjerg suggested the team lacked balance because he and midfielder Morten Hjulmand possessed too similar playing profiles, describing the tactical setup as “a bit embarrassing.”

Højbjerg subsequently issued public apologies via social media, stating, “I have made a mistake... one should not speak publicly about a teammate or a coach's decisions.” He explained that his comments were driven by high emotions following the defeat, adding, “I am a human being... when I am disappointed by a defeat... emotions run high and I say things without thinking.” While coach Brian Riemer indicated the matter was resolved through conversation and the apology was accepted, the incident has sparked debate regarding squad unity.

Pundit Glen Riddersholm suggested the comments were unprofessional and argued that Højbjerg could be benched to maintain team culture and support the coaching staff. This internal tension coincides with a growing injury crisis ahead of Denmark’s match against Portugal. Coach Riemer is currently considering emergency call-ups due to the absences of Alexander Bah, Kasper Dolberg, Albert Grønbæk, and Patrick Dorgu, noting that the loss of multifunctional players has created a “tactical headache.”

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Denmark national team faces injury crisis and internal tension

Denmark's national team faces an injury crisis and internal tension as coach Brian Riemer considers emergency call-ups and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg faces scrutiny over comments regarding midfield chemistry.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-national-team-faces-injury-crisis-and-internal-tension

### 2026-09-27: Denmark captain Højbjerg apologizes for criticizing coach and teammate

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has apologized for criticizing coach Brian Riemer and teammate Morten Hjulmand following a Nations League loss to Norway.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-captain-hjbjerg-apologizes-for-criticizing-coach-and-teammate

### 2026-09-25: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg apologizes after criticizing Denmark coach

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has apologized for publicly criticizing coach Brian Riemer and teammate Morten Hjulmand following a Nations League loss to Norway.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pierre-emile-hjbjerg-apologizes-for-midfield-partnership-comments

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Cite as: Denmark captain leadership controversy and squad challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/denmark-national-team-captain-leadership-controversy