Steve Cooper has been appointed as the new head coach of Brondby, aiming to bring trophies back to the club. He previously managed Nottingham Forest and Leicester City and is determined to lead Brondby to their first league title since 2021.
Steve Cooper, formerly at the helm of Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, has embarked on a new chapter in his managerial career, taking over as head coach of Brondby, the 11-time Danish champions. The Welshman's appointment signals Brondby's ambition to reclaim their place at the summit of Danish football after a period of relative drought.
Brondby currently sit fourth in the Danish Superliga standings after seven games, trailing leaders and reigning champions Copenhagen by four points. The club's hierarchy moved swiftly to secure Cooper's services, announcing his arrival on Tuesday following the departure of Frederik Birk, who had only assumed the managerial reins in January. Cooper has penned a three-year contract, committing his future to the club until 2028.
Cooper's baptism of fire comes in the form of a Copenhagen clash on Saturday, a fixture that will immediately set the tone for his tenure. The 45-year-old has made no secret of his desire to bring silverware back to Brondby, targeting the club's first league title since the 2020-21 season.
In an open letter to Brondby's passionate fanbase, Cooper articulated his vision for the club, stating, "I want exactly what you want: a team that wins trophies and gets back to the top of Danish football. I am ambitious to win and to see what this club can do at its very best. The ownership of Brondby feel the same way, and their vision for the club is a major part of why I am here."
Steve Cooper bliver ny cheftræner for Brøndby IF.
Den 45-årige, walisiske cheftræner kommer til Vestegnen med et CV, der tæller klubber som Nottingham Forest, Swansea City og senest Leicester City.
Læs mere: https://t.co/unHuo4wFQZ pic.twitter.com/ok0xZp9dvy
— Brøndby IF (@BrondbyIF) September 9, 2025
While Brondby will not be participating in European competitions this season after their exit from the Conference League play-offs at the hands of Strasbourg, Cooper's focus will be firmly on domestic success. He aims to galvanize the squad and instill a winning mentality as they chase Copenhagen.
This appointment marks Cooper's return to management since his departure from Leicester in November 2024. His time at the King Power Stadium was brief, overseeing just 12 Premier League matches following his arrival as Enzo Maresca's successor. Despite his short tenure, Cooper gained valuable experience in a high-pressure environment.
Prior to his stint with Leicester, Cooper enjoyed a successful spell with Nottingham Forest, guiding them to a memorable Championship play-off final victory in 2021-22. He then successfully steered them to Premier League safety the following season, before being relieved of his duties in December 2023. His achievements at Forest demonstrated his ability to build a cohesive team and achieve tangible results.
Cooper's arrival at Brondby brings a sense of renewed optimism to the club and its supporters. His track record of success, coupled with his ambitious mindset, makes him an ideal fit for a club determined to challenge for major honors. The upcoming clash against Copenhagen will provide an early indication of Cooper's impact, as he looks to lead Brondby back to the pinnacle of Danish football.
The Brondby faithful will be hoping that Cooper can replicate his previous successes and bring a new era of silverware. His leadership qualities and tactical acumen will be vital as he strives to build a team that is capable of competing with the best in the Danish Superliga. Time will tell if Cooper can deliver on his promise, but his appointment has undoubtedly injected a fresh dose of excitement into Brondby.