In 2005, FC Copenhagen invested highly. They brought in Ståle Solbakken as head coach, just two years into the former Norwegian national team player’s coaching career. This was a game of chance that gave the supporters and the club a lot to enjoy with Solbakken as coach, not just for one round, but for two. In 2026, it is now Bo Svensson who will try to replicate some of what Solbakken achieved in the Danish capital.
Ståle Solbakken proved to be one of the most successful coaches in FC Copenhagen’s history during his two spells as head coach between 2006–2011 and 2013–2020.
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Here are Solbakken’s most important achievements as FCK boss:
8 league golds in the Superliga, 4 Cup titles, made FC Copenhagen the clearly dominant club in Denmark – in both periods. Led FCK to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on several occasions (2006, 2010, 2013 and 2016). In the 2010/11 season, he led FCK to the round of 8 in the Champions League, which is the club’s best performance in the tournament. In 2020, he led FCK to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, before they narrowly lost to Manchester United.
And FCK in 2026?
On Sunday, Denmark’s former most dominant club fired coach Jacob Neestrup. By then, it was clear that FCK failed to qualify for the Danish championship series for the first time in the club’s history, and now plays in the relegation series.
On Sunday, FCK fired their former coach Jacob Neestrup, and quickly appointed Bo Svensson as his replacement.
During his active playing career, he played 155 games for FCK before moving to Germany. He stayed there after his career in various coaching assignments at Mainz, FC Liefering, RB Salzburg and Union Berlin, among others.
“Change is necessary, and we have to regain stability and joy of playing, so that the fans can recognize us. I am convinced that we can succeed, and I look forward to working with the players and staff, says the new coach to the club’s website.
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Optimistic start, of course, but we suspect FCK supporters want to go back to the time when Ståle Solbakken led the ship.
