Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has moved to calm a growing Denmark storm after the Marseille midfielder publicly criticised his partnership with Morten Hjulmand following Thursday’s 3-2 Nations League defeat in Norway.
The Denmark captain issued an apology on Instagram on Friday, acknowledging that his post-match frustration had carried him too far. His comments after the Oslo loss had triggered a fierce reaction at home, with the midfielder appearing to question whether he and Hjulmand should start together.
Denmark captain retracts midfield criticism
Højbjerg had said Denmark were using two midfielders with similar qualities and suggested the coach should select one rather than play both. He also argued that the team’s needs had to come before individual interests, while admitting that the combination was not producing the required results.
The remarks were particularly striking from a player who is both a senior figure at Olympique de Marseille and Denmark’s captain. He later accepted that he had made a mistake.
In his lengthy social-media message, Højbjerg explained that the defeat had clouded his judgement. He said he was a person deeply attached to Denmark, the national team and football, and that emotions had taken over after a painful result.
He referred to Denmark’s recent comeback, as well as the disappointment of missing the World Cup, as factors that had left feelings running high. In that state, he said, he spoke before properly considering the consequences.
Wales test offers immediate response
Denmark return to action against Wales on Sunday at 18:00. The match gives Højbjerg and his team-mates an immediate chance to move the conversation back onto the pitch after a difficult week for the national side.
For the Marseille midfielder, the task is now twofold: help Denmark recover from the defeat in Norway and restore unity around a midfield debate he unexpectedly brought into public view.
