Former Galaxy assistant coach gets the boot following poor offensive showing.
Swedish club Hammarby IF have elected to terminate Gregg Berhalter’s managerial contract at the halfway point of the season, citing a lacklustre offensive showing.
Berhalter’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but the board at Hammarby decided that change was needed in order to avoid missing out on promotion.
“Gregg has brought order to our defensive game and has good discipline in the squad, but unfortunately we have not seen good enough dividends in the offence,” Hammarby chairman Kent Hertzell told the club’s official website. “Therefore, we chose to terminate cooperation with Gregg. We believe that we need to get a new force and new voice on the team.”
Hammarby are currently sat square in the middle of the Superettan table with 21 points from 15 games. However, despite a remarkable defensive record of only ten goals conceded (second only to league leaders Orebro) the team have only scored 12 (second poorest, with only bottom club Brage beneath them).
“Of course, I am disappointed not to get to complete the work that began 19 months ago,” Berhalter said of the decision to remove him from his station, “But when I look back at all the work we have done in the organization, I am convinced that we have made progress.
“I would like to thank the fans for the atmosphere they create for the team and the support they have shown during the time I was in charge. I wish the team good luck with the remainder of the season.”
The notion of managing a club in Sweden posed no issues for Berhalter, who had spells in Holland, Germany and England as well as the USA during an 18-year playing career. After seeing the LA Galaxy to an MLS Cup victory in 2011 as assistant manager he then joined second-division Hammarby.
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