Henrik Larsson quits Helsingborg following relegation

Henrik Larsson watched his side suffer relegation against Halmstad on Sunday evening. Picture: AFPHenrik Larsson watched his side suffer relegation against Halmstad on Sunday evening. Picture: AFP
Henrik Larsson watched his side suffer relegation against Halmstad on Sunday evening. Picture: AFP

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Henrik Larsson has left his position as Helsingborg coach just days after his son was attacked by fans in the wake of the club's relegation.

A statement from club director Mats-Oka Schulze said Larsson’s departure was a joint decision between the former Sweden striker and the club.

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“Myself, the board, Henrik Larsson and the rest of the leadership team, together with the players, are responsible for the relegation,” Schulze said.

“I, together with the board, would like to extend our gratitude to Henrik for the comprehensive restructuring implemented within the football organisation during 2015 and 2016.”

After the club’s relegation from Sweden’s top flight was confirmed by Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Halmstad, a group of hooded fans confronted the 19-year-old Jordan Larsson and forcibly removed his shirt.

The forward had scored to put his side ahead with eight minutes left against Halmstad, but two late goals from Marcus Mathisen condemned Helsingborg to relegation from the Allsvenska after a 3-2 aggregate play-off defeat.

Speaking after the match, the elder Larsson gave no indication of his intention to depart, but said: “I live and work here in town. I will look over my shoulder a little more and make sure not to walk alone in town.

“If they (hooligans) come, they come. We have many dogs at home.”

The former Feyenoord, Barcelona, Celtic and Manchester United striker, 45, became head coach of the club in January 2015.