Peter Gerhardsson took over after Pia Sundhage after the 2017 European Championship, and has been the national team captain in four championships. This summer's European Championship in Switzerland will be his fifth, and last, in the role.
Then he leaves what he has so often referred to as "the world's best job".
I wanted to do something else, explains Peter Gerhardsson during a press conference on Thursday.
The feeling of not knowing what happens next is what attracts the 65-year-old. He remembers ten years back in time when he trained Häcken's men and felt ready for a new task, but didn't dare say it to the club management. When Häcken's board chose not to extend the contract, it was a relief, Gerhardsson tells.
In that, I got an experience that I can now use, to be able to take a bungee jump without knowing what will happen. I wanted to feel that bungee jump again. I have no idea what it leads to, but I promise, it's damn exciting.
Took Sweden to the top
Under Peter Gerhardsson's and Magnus Wikman's leadership – the assistant national team captain is also leaving – Sweden has consolidated its place in the world top. It became Olympic silver in Japan 2021, after a penalty shootout loss in the final against Canada, and World Championship bronze in both 2019 and 2023. In the autumn of 2023, Sweden also took the step up to become the world number one for the first time.
It's often focus on championships and medals. But I'm most proud of building a good relationship with the clubs. That's maybe what I'll miss the most, being out and meeting the clubs and talking football. It's maybe not so flashy, but it's what I'm most proud of in many ways.
Only the captains knew
He has only informed two players: team captains Kosovare Asllani and Magdalena Eriksson. The others, like everyone else, got the news on Thursday.
The work of finding a replacement is already underway, says Swedish Football Association's football manager Kim Källström. Regardless of who it becomes, Gerhardsson wants to contribute to a smooth transition.
The ambition is to do everything we can to get a good result in the Nations League and in the European Championship, but also to give all support to those who will take over after us. For these girls are worth everything to get a good start.
Born: August 22, 1959 in Uppsala (65 years old).
Lives: Uppsala.
Occupation: National team captain for Sweden's women's national football team.
Player career: Upsala IF (–1977), Hammarby (1977–1987), Vasalund (1988–1990), Enköping (1991–1992).
National team appearances: 3 U21, 17 P19, 2 P17.
Coaching career: Upsala IF (men) (1993–1995), BKV Norrtälje (men) (1996), scout with the women's national team at the 1996 Olympic Games and 1997 European Championship, Bälinge (women) (1997–1998), Enköpings SK (men) (assistant) (2000–2002), national team captain P16 and P17 (2002–2004), national team captain for the younger U21 national team (men) 2004, Helsingborg (men) (assistant) 2005–2008, BK Häcken (men) 2009–2016, Sweden (2017–2025).
