Hamberg to Leave Sweden Setup After World Cup: '100% Elfsborg, 100% Family'
Björn Hamberg confirms he will step down as Sweden assistant coach after the World Cup, returning full-time to IF Elfsborg.
SFN Editor ·
Björn Hamberg will walk away from his role as assistant coach of the Swedish national team once their World Cup campaign ends, confirming that his future lies entirely with Allsvenskan club IF Elfsborg.
"Absolutely, I would have liked to continue. You represent your country, you are in an environment that is completely incredible," – Hamberg, speaking to [Fotbollskanalen]
According to Fotbollskanalen, Hamberg says the decision was always part of the plan from the very start of his dual role. The arrangement — serving both Sweden and Elfsborg simultaneously — was approved by Elfsborg's club director Stefan Andreasson and chairman Sune Lundqvist, but it was always understood to be temporary. Should Sweden lose to France in Tuesday's round of 32 match, Hamberg will bow out at that point.
His reasoning is straightforward: he was hired by Elfsborg to be fully committed, and he also wants to be fully present for his family. The phrase he keeps returning to is the same — 100 percent.
Set-piece specialist Andreas Georgson, another member of the national team coaching staff, may also depart after the tournament, though no decision has been confirmed. Georgson joined the Sweden setup under an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur, who allowed him to participate through qualifying, the playoff and a potential World Cup. "A deal is a deal and we have chosen not to take any further discussion than that," Georgson said.
Sweden national team director Kim Källström acknowledged that replacement plans are in place, and praised both Hamberg and Georgson as central figures behind the team's recent success. Elfsborg, who compete in Allsvenskan — Sweden's top division — will be relieved to have Hamberg back with full focus once the dust settles on Sweden's World Cup adventure.