Denmark national team captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has apologized for the comments he made following the 2–3 defeat to Norway in the Nations League.
The Danish captain stated, among other things, that playing alongside Morten Hjulmand in central midfield was not working. "I made a mistake, and I apologize to my teammates, the coach, and everyone involved. You shouldn't speak publicly about a teammate or the coach's tactical decisions, because it ends up getting blown out of proportion in the media and the outside world compared to the actual issue," Hojbjerg writes on Instagram.
National team coach Brian Riemer fielded Hojbjerg alongside Morten Hjulmand in the match against Norway. Hojbjerg believes their playing styles are very similar and that this can hinder the Danish team's performance.
"The elephant in the room is, to some extent, that you have two players of the same type in midfield. Perhaps the coach needs to choose one and let the other sit out; ultimately, we have to think about what is best for the team, not ourselves."
It is these comments that Hojbjerg is now apologizing for. "I regret it, because I have a very close relationship with Morten and Brian, and I am aware of the noise this kind of thing creates for the national team. I apologize for that."
"I am human. A human who loves the national team, Denmark, and football." "When I’m disappointed by a defeat—especially after a strong comeback—and having missed out on the World Cup, emotions can get the better of me, and I ended up saying something without thinking it through."
"I have absolutely no problem playing alongside Morten. He is a talented player whom I respect greatly, and someone I get along well with—someone who, just like me, will give everything for Denmark," writes Hojbjerg.
The Marseille player points out that he and Hjulmand have played several strong international matches together, citing games at Euro 2024 and previous Nations League fixtures, among others.
Hojbjerg also believes the duo played well in the second half against Norway in Oslo on Thursday night. "I’ve tried to point out that we are very similar types of players on the pitch, and that, at times, we haven't quite managed to get the absolute best out of our partnership in a way that benefits the team most effectively."
"Sometimes we tend to drift into the same spaces too much and end up in the same areas. The coach has mentioned this to us and tried to make adjustments, and it’s something we will continue to work on with great determination."
"So, of course, I can play alongside Morten in the future, and I will always give my all for the coach, the team, and Denmark—no matter where I’m positioned or who I’m playing with," says Hojbjerg.
He is now looking ahead to Sunday’s Nations League match at home against Wales.
"Now it’s about focusing and gathering our strength for the match against Wales at Parken so we can deliver a victory for the Danish fans. We make mistakes, we learn, and let’s bounce back together," Hojbjerg concludes.