Controversy Surrounds William Lundin's Dismissal from Degerfors

A leadership style deemed unsustainable led to the dismissal of William Lundin, 32, from Degerfors. The coach, however, refutes these claims, stating he received no such feedback about his leadership.

"There are questionable ties between some players and the assistant sports director," Lundin told Aftonbladet.

William Lundin brought Degerfors back to the top tier of Swedish football during his first year as head coach of the historic club.

After twelve rounds, the team is eleventh in the Allsvenskan, making Thursday's announcement of Lundin's dismissal a surprise to many.

In an interview with Värmlands Folkblad, sports director Patrik Werner explained the decision. The club believes Lundin's leadership was no longer sustainable.

"Leadership can take many forms, and opinions differ on what's right and wrong. But the current situation is not something we as a club support, and we don't believe the environment is conducive to high performance or personal growth. That's why we made this decision," Werner told VF.

"No Negative Feedback Received"

The recent week-long camp on Gotland was the catalyst for Lundin's dismissal, Degerfors chairman Ulrika Eriksson told NWT over the weekend.

"We've been closely monitoring this for a long time. While much of William's work has been excellent, we feel things have taken a wrong turn, with the environment becoming tougher. What we have today doesn't align with Degerfors IF's values, and at some point, you have to take a stand and act," Werner said.

William Lundin had not given any interviews until now, but he shares his side of the story with Aftonbladet.

"I've been head coach for 18 months at Degerfors and haven't received any indication or negative feedback about my leadership. Increasing demands was the most important part of my assignment when I was hired," he told the newspaper.

When asked what escalated on Gotland, Lundin replied:

"I was told there were three incidents perceived as overly harsh leadership. During one training session, I took a player aside and said I didn't think his performance the previous day was good enough, along with disappointment that he finished last in the running test."

Lundin: "Questionable Ties Exist"

Lundin speaks highly of sports director Patrik Werner but feels something changed when former player Sean Sabetkar was hired as assistant sports director this season.

"Yes. I believe there are questionable and unhealthy ties between him and certain players in the club. A few players have too much influence in sporting decisions. We didn't see this in 2024. I care about Degerfors and want the club to succeed. I think it's important for the club to address the issues surrounding these relationships," Lundin told Aftonbladet.

William Lundin further states he is overwhelmed by the support he has received from players, staff, and people in the club after being forced to leave.

Expressen has contacted William Lundin, who refers to his statements in the Aftonbladet interview. Patrik Werner and Sean Sabetkar have not been reached for comment.