Lars Knudsen has officially commenced his tenure as Denmark’s U21 national coach, marking a significant move in his career and personal life. He has relocated from Augsburg, Germany, to Aalborg, Denmark, earlier this August to assume his new role.

Knudsen’s decision to return to Denmark was influenced by both professional opportunities and family considerations. Having spent over a year and a half in Augsburg with the city’s Bundesliga club, he expressed his satisfaction with being back in Denmark, particularly to be closer to his two adult children residing in Aalborg.

Aalborg’s strategic location and international airport make it a convenient base for Knudsen, enabling him to easily travel abroad to scout promising talents like Conrad Harder and Chido Obi-Martin. Furthermore, the city’s central location provides him with easy access to Superliga clubs’ training sessions and matches throughout Denmark.

Knudsen emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with players both domestically and internationally. He stated that he was actively visiting players abroad even before his move, and now focuses on observing players in Denmark before selecting his first squad.

Drawing from his previous experience as national coach for the U18, U19, and U20 national teams, as well as his temporary role as A-national coach, Knudsen understands the unique challenges of working with players for limited training sessions, approximately five gatherings per year.

While acknowledging that he will miss the daily interaction with players on the training ground, a sentiment shared by many national coaches, Knudsen also appreciates the opportunity to scout players and immerse himself in the game from a broader perspective, something that is often limited as a club coach.

Appointed as Steffen Højers’ successor after the summer’s European Championship finals, Knudsen had previously declined other positions, driven by his ambition to lead as head coach rather than serve as an assistant. He is enthusiastic about his new role and eager to begin, with his first gathering scheduled for Monday.

Knudsen’s debut match as U21 national coach will be a friendly against Norway in Vejle next Thursday, followed by the team’s first European Championship qualification match against Wales four days later.