F.C. Copenhagen adds new assistant coach

F.C. Copenhagen strengthens its coaching staff with the addition of a new assistant coach. Spanish coach Sergio Almenara joins the team as an assistant coach, bringing experience from Spain, Finland, and South Africa. 

Smith-Nielsen: International input and expertise
Sports Director Sune Smith-Nielsen comments on Sergio's appointment: 
 
"Leading up to and following Jens Berthel Askou’s departure, we have worked purposefully to find the right profile for our coaching team. Therefore, we are pleased to bring Sergio into the team with a special focus on set-pieces. At the same time, it is a priority for us to complement our strong existing staff with new international perspectives."

"As we also see a trend in developing a more international environment, it is also an advantage that Sergio is Spanish and can communicate in Spanish. This aligns well with our ambitions of having a squad that is and will continue to become more international, with a foundation and core of Scandinavian players."

"It’s also about finding the right balance – combining skilled coaches with deep knowledge of F.C. Copenhagen with fresh input from outside that can further develop us," says Sune Smith-Nielsen.

Sergio Almenara is currently part of the Finnish national team, where he is responsible for set-pieces - a role he will continue to carry out.

Neestrup: Strong references 
Head coach Jacob Neestrup is pleased with the addition:

"We have received very strong references about Sergio. He is analytically strong, highly skilled, and dedicated to set-pieces. He already holds that responsibility with the Finnish national team and also brings experience from several different football cultures," says Neestrup, and continues:

"We’ve had some very good conversations, and we are confident that he will bring both quality and perspective to our team," concludes the head coach.

Sergio Almenara joins with immediate effect and will focus particularly on set-pieces, analysis, and specific individual development in collaboration with the rest of the coaching staff.

Sergio: Exciting and great opportunity
45-year-old Sergio Almenara has worked for several years in Finland, both as head coach, assistant coach, scout, and has spent two years in South Africa with Orlando Pirates, and before that with Levante in Spain.

"I’m looking forward to becoming a part of F.C. Copenhagen and contributing to the continued development following the great end to last season. I’m excited to bring my skills into play both within the team and with the players on the pitch," says Sergio Almenara.