Bo Henriksen named Denmark’s Coach of the Year

“That is the most serious thing I think I have ever heard you say,” laughed Bo Henriksen in response to Nadiem Amiri’s congratulatory speech in the locker room ahead of training. The Mainz midfielder extended some kind words to his head coach after he was named Denmark’s Coach of the Year 2024, which was met by a round of applause from the team, coaching staff and club staff. “Thank you so much for this amazing recognition and to all the fantastic coaches who voted for me. I am very grateful to have been chosen as Coach of the Year. The past 20 years have been a wild ride but have been fun at the same time. There are so many people who have played a key role along the way and have a hand in this award,” said Henriksen.

This is the first time that Henriksen has received the highest achievement for a Danish football coach. The award is decided via votes placed by coaches in both men’s and women’s football in Denmark, along with Danish coaches operating abroad. After Henriksen, Thomas Frank (Brentford) received the second-most votes, with Kent Nielsen (Silkeborg IF) finishing third. Brian Priske (Feyenoord) was ranked fourth while Lene Terp (Fortuna Hjørring) received the fifth-highest number of votes. The Denmark FA praised Henriksen for his performances and “unmistakable coaching quality” in their announcement. “Mainz 05 had a tough start to 2024 but have taken everyone by storm to now sit third in the Bundesliga table. Henriksen’s leadership qualities, personal dedication and tactical nouse have led to Mainz becoming a tough team to play against.”

“In football, as is the case in life in general, you have more fun when you do things together”

The Dane reacted to the news in front of the team in the locker room: “I am proud of what we have achieved together. In football, as is the case in life in general, you have more fun when you do things together. We have made memories for life over the course of a past year that was incredible in every respect. I am so pleased that I was able to experience all that with this team. It has been fun, as well as hard-fought and challenging. It is a bit surreal to receive this award as Denmark’s Coach of the Year. I can’t quite believe it but I am certainly grateful,” emphasised Henriksen, while also turning attentions to the next task at hand. “The most important thing is our upcoming match in Dortmund on Sunday!”