Genesio calms the controversy after Højbjerg's apology

After publicly questioning his complementarity with the manager Morten Hjulmand, Olympique de Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg posted an apology message on Instagram, followed by a swift withdrawal of his remarks. The Danish captain, who was wearing the armband, thus sought to calm the controversy that arose the day after Denmark’s defeat to Norway (3-2).

The remarks that triggered the controversy

Højbjerg had felt that he and defender Morten Hjulmand possessed a profile that was too similar, insinuating that coach Brian Riemer might be forced to choose between the two. This statement sparked many reactions in Denmark, especially because it came after the defeat and while the player was captain.

The apologies and Højbjerg’s clarification

On Instagram, the OM player acknowledged his mistake, stating: “I can easily play with Morten. He is a talented player whom I respect a lot.” He recalled the many matches they have played together for Denmark and clarified that his intention was not to demand his teammate’s sidelining, but to highlight a problem of complementarity on the pitch.

Højbjerg added that the two players tend to occupy the same spaces, which could limit collective effectiveness. He concluded by apologizing to Hjulmand, to Denmark and to his teammates, emphasizing his commitment to “give everything for the coach, the team and Denmark.”

The coach Genesio, responsible for OM, quickly reacted by stating that the player must focus on the rest of the Marseille season. According to him, the clarification allows the controversy to be closed, at least provisionally, before it could have escalated.

After the 3-2 defeat in Norway, Denmark is preparing to face Wales on Sunday, while OM hopes to have a Højbjerg fully focused on his club commitments.