Peter Gerhardsson Bids Farewell: Reflects on a 'Fantastic Journey' as Sweden's Head Coach

Peter Gerhardsson held his final press conference on July 22, 2025, as head coach of the Swedish women's national football team after their quarterfinal exit against England in the European Championship. Reflecting on his tenure, Gerhardsson described the recent loss as one of the toughest moments he faced, stating, "It was the absolute toughest loss that we have experienced, both leaders and players." Despite the disappointment of the tournament exit, he noted that the team's performance was commendable, calling it their best showing in terms of gameplay.

Criticism arose regarding Gerhardsson's decision to have 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg take a crucial penalty kick, a choice he explained was influenced by the team's injuries during the match. "I've learned to trust my own judgment as a coach," he remarked, acknowledging the weight of his decisions during high-stakes moments.

Looking to the future, Gerhardsson expressed optimism about the team's potential to win the Nations League in the fall, emphasizing, "This team has a chance to win the Nations League this fall." His successor, Tony Gustavsson, who previously headed the Australian women's team, will take over the reins.

Grateful for his colleagues and supporters, Gerhardsson highlighted the growth of the team across his eight-year leadership, which included a bronze medal at the 2019 World Cup and a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He concluded by sharing his strong sense of national pride, stating he would not coach another national team, marking the end of a significant chapter in Swedish women's football.