Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg considered that he was not compatible with Morten Hjulland in the initial eleven of Denmark and asked the selector to sit on the bench. Hours later, he recanted his criticisms.
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25/09/2026
by
ANDthere is a controversy on Danish soil. Denmark lost by 3-2 on Thursday's visit to Norway, in play for the first day of the League of Nations group A4, where Portugal is also inserted, and criticisms quickly emerged.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is the captain of the Danish national team, analyzed the outburst and was very harsh, to the point that he said that partnership in midfield with Morten Hjulland, former Sporting player, did not work, even urging the selector Brian Riemer to make a drastic decision and sit one of the two in the bench of alternates.
“ The elephant in the room is, in a way, that you have two players of the same profile in the midfield. Maybe the coach should pick one and leave the other in the bank. After all, we have to think about what's best for the team and not ourselves. I don't put myself above that. I don't decide who's playing. But it’s not working and it’s a little weird,” Hojbjerg said.
Hours later, and given the impact of these statements, Marseille's average was forced to leave a message on the Instagram social network account to apologize, also ensuring that he can “play perfectly” with Hjulland.
“ I made a mistake and I apologize to my teammates, the coach and everyone involved. Public statements should not be made about the actions of a teammate or coach, as this can have much more impact on the media and the outside world than it actually generates. I'm sorry, because I have a very close relationship with Morten and Brian and I know the negative impact that something like that can have on the selection. I apologize for that”, started by writing the player, 31 years old.
The message from the Danish average© Instagram/Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
“I’m human. A human being who loves national selection, Denmark and football. When I'm disappointed with a defeat like yesterday, after a great turnaround and the absence of the World Cup, emotions take over and I end up saying something thoughtless. I can play perfectly with Morten. He's a skilled player who I respect a lot and a person I get along with, and who, like me, will give everything for Denmark. We also played a lot of good games together. Euro2020, League of Nations group phase – and we also played well together in the second part against Norway,” he continued.
“ I tried to explain that we are two very similar types of players in the field and that, so far, we have not always managed to extract the best of our cooperation, which could benefit the team in the best possible way. Sometimes we find ourselves in the same spaces and occupy the same places. The coach also told us that, tried to adjust the strategy and we will continue to work on it with great dedication. So, of course, I can play Morten from now on, and I'll always do everything for the coach, the team, and Denmark, wherever you're playing or whoever you're with. It has always been so and always will be”, said Hojbjerg
“The team fought bravely against Norway, demonstrating character, mentality and quality to win the match. The Danish fans who traveled with us to the stadium were incredible. Before, during and even after the game. We're fighting for you. Now, the important thing is to concentrate and gather forces for the game with Wales, Parken, so that we can give a victory to the Danish supporters. We failed, we learned and we will rise together”, finished.