Gustavsson: Michelsen Has Raised Denmark’s Level Before Derby Clash

Gustavsson hails revamped Denmark ahead of crucial WC Qualifier

Sweden faces a rejuvenated Denmark in a key World Cup qualifier in Gothenburg. Tony Gustavsson praises Jakob Michelsen’s impact, but Sweden misses three key players.

Michelsen’s Denmark impresses Sweden before Gothenburg showdown...

Sweden women’s head coach Tony Gustavsson says he’s impressed with the improvement Denmark has shown under new coach Jakob Michelsen since he replaced Andrée Jeglertz.

Both Scandinavian sides made coaching changes after last summer’s European Championship in Switzerland. Denmark brought in Jakob Michelsen after Andrée Jeglertz resigned, just as Sweden replaced their own coach.

Michelsen has introduced a new style built on tactical flexibility, higher intensity, and a more modern, aggressive approach. It’s worked well so far - Denmark remains unbeaten under him.

Swedish coach Tony Gustavsson has taken note of the shift in Denmark’s approach, saying Michelsen has quickly lifted the level of the Danish side.

“I am impressed by the work he has done. They are incredibly well organized. They are confident and skilled in the low defensive game and incredibly fast in transition with Pernille Harder,” says Gustavsson to Fotbollskanalen. Gustavsson continues:

“They have systemized their ideas, they are clear in what they are doing, and get the best out of their best players,” says Gustavsson, who says that Swedes' biggest mission will be to keep Danish striker Pernille Harder from Bayern Munich out of the game. "We have to stop the ball from getting to her and stop her with the ball, that will be the biggest challenge,” he says. 

Gustavsson isn’t the only one who sees Harder as Denmark’s key player.

“Denmark are tough to play against and it’ll feel like a derby. We have to watch Pernille. She’s a very skilled player and she leads their team,” says Brighton & Hove Albion striker Julia Zigiotti Olme.

Pernille to the Danish media about her all time top scorer ranking in the UWCL:

“It would be great to get into the top three. If it doesn’t happen this season, then I hope I still have a few more seasons left where I can score a few goals.” ⚽️💪🏼📈 pic.twitter.com/MdmejeUwVW

— Joline (@tres_joline) April 10, 2026

 

The last time Sweden hosted Denmark was in June last year, when the Danes lost 6-1.

The home side enters the key World Cup qualifier shorthanded, missing Kosovare Asllani, Nathalie Björn, and Chelsea striker Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who is out with a calf injury.

The match is set for 19:00 CET at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg.