New Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen managing day-to-day before setting targets
That led to the 15 first-team players still on the books at the club to boycott a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley, which came to light on the same day Pedersen was announced as Owls boss.
🎥 Watch our first in-depth interview with SWFC manager Henrik Pedersen#swfc
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) August 7, 2025
Pedersen is certain a repeat scenario would not unfold in their Sky Bet Championship curtain-raiser at Leicester on Sunday, although he was unwilling to think too much beyond the East Midlands trip.
The Danish boss told the PA news agency: 'I think if I spoke about goal-setting – with 15 players right now – and say we will stay in the league or this or that, this is not where we are right now.
'Tomorrow, I will do everything with my staff to have the best (training) session for the players and then on Sunday, make the best possible game plan. This is where we are right now.
'Of course, I have an idea of how the club should look in the future. In my head, I know where we want to be but this is not interesting for the players right now.
'I think I have a really good relationship with the players. I'm convinced we have a group who are really looking forward to Sunday's game and will do everything they can for our club.
'How the players are handling this situation is not for everyone to do this, it's for special ones and they're doing a really special job at the moment.'
Owner Dejphon Chansiri is looking to offload the Championship club (PA Video/PA)
Pedersen stepped up from assistant last week to replace Danny Rohl, who left the club by mutual consent after helping them avoid relegation in 2023-24 before overseeing a respectable 12th-place finish last season.
Unable to sign or loan players for a fee until January 2027, Pedersen is working diligently to bump up the threadbare playing and non-playing numbers at Hillsborough and bring in individuals for free.
Adding to the uncertainty is owner Dejphon Chansiri looking to offload the club but Pedersen, who says he speaks 'regularly' with the Thai businessman, has no regrets about committing to Wednesday.
Pedersen said: 'What (Chansiri) said to me the last time we spoke is he will do everything he can to solve the problem as quick as possible. I think he'll do what he can.
'To be Sheffield Wednesday manager is an honour. I spoke with (other) clubs but I said to my wife 'it's really interesting but you know where my heart is'.
'My family love to stay here. My two boys love to be in the school where they are, they love to play football here and my wife loves to be here. When the club asked me to come back, I had no doubt.
'It's important (to look at) what can I control, what can I not control? Of course we need new players and new coaches, but right now it's not so easy just to find players and players and players.
'It's a tough environment right now because there are so many things (happening) from outside. But I have the biggest respect for my players and staff and how they are handling the situation.'
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The Herald Scotland
36 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Adam Idah needs competition to thrive, says Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
The 24-year-old was expected to kick on after Kyogo Furuhashi left in January, but Daizen Maeda took on the mantle of Celtic's main goalscorer after moving inside from a wide position, although the Irishman still finished on 20 goals. Given Celtic have since lost Jota to a long-term injury and sold Nicolas Kuhn, Maeda has been needed out wide, while Idah has been handed a chance to seize the number-nine role. 'There's no doubt that we need to reinforce the top line,' Rodgers said. 'There's no doubt. 'I'm really pleased with where we are structurally in defensive numbers. We've got a squad from our back line to midfield that can cope domestically and cope in the European competition. So I'm really pleased with that aspect. 'But I think we need competition at the top end of the field. 'For Adam, he's a big, honest boy. He was at his best here when was really challenging with Kyogo for the position and that's something that is important for us to get. But in the meantime, he will work hard and he'll always be that reference for us.' Asked if Idah needs a goal, Rodgers said: 'Listen, you're a striker at Celtic, you have to be strong mentally, you've got to score goals, of course. But I've a lot of faith in him. 'He really needs that real competition beside him. And I think that's when you then get the most out of him. 'He didn't quite score, but he worked very hard and he's given his all and it will get better as the season goes on.' Celtic's three goals this season have all come from midfielders, with Luke McCowan's late winner against St Mirren followed by Nygren getting off the mark for the club. The 24-year-old netted 15 goals for Nordsjaelland in the Danish top flight last season as well as scoring twice in his first four internationals for Sweden. Rodgers said: 'He's a player that can play as an eight, a 10, he can also play off the side. But his intuition is to get in the box and score goals and that's why we've brought him in.' Rodgers added: 'Any time you come to Pittdorie, it's always tough games. To come and play with that authority and personality in the game, that was pleasing.' Aberdeen made a bright start, but Celtic took full control before Nygren's 27th-minute opener. Dons manager Jimmy Thelin said: 'The way we defended in the first half and how we created the transitions was okay. 'The problem we have right now is the last pass and last decision when we arrive in an attacking position. And we are not arriving there enough to really hurt them.' Thelin would not comment on reports that Aberdeen are closing in on a deal to sign 21-year-old AC Milan striker Marko Lazetic on a free transfer. But he added: 'Everybody's working really hard to find the right player and bring him to Aberdeen so let's see what's going to happen.'
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Championship: Leicester host troubled Sheff Wed
Update: Date: 18 min Title: Post Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Abdul Fatawu is showing these Leicester fans what they've been missing over the last few months. He looks a threat every time he's on the ball on this right-hand side and he cuts in and sends another bending strike at goal. This one is on target and is tipped away by Pierce Charles. Bilal El Khannouss then shoots just wide of the post as the Foxes are beginning to crank up the pressure after a slow start. Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: 'Concentration will be key' Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Rob StatonBBC Radio Sheffield commentator This has been really competitive from Sheffield Wednesday and they have come very close to taking the lead. If anyone thought they were going to get smoked and get beaten all over the pitch, well they are showing that they are going to be competitive. However, Leicester are threatening and do look dangerous on the attack. Concentration will be key for Wednesday. Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: Get involved Content: #bbcefl, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) Don't forget you can have your say as the game unfolds at the King Power Stadium. Get in touch using the methods above. Update: Date: 16:44 BST Title: 'Quite a relief to be watching football' Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Rob StatonBBC Radio Sheffield commentator The weather is absolutely fantastic at the King Power, it is the perfect weather for the opening weekend of a football season. After everything that has gone on over the summer, I have to say it is quite a relief to be sat here today watching a bunch of men on a football pitch kicking a ball around. Update: Date: 13 min Title: Post Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Wednesday go up the other end and win a free-kick of their own, which is swung in by Barry Bannan. It finds Dominic Iorfa, who's made his way up from the back, but he doesn't quite catch hold of the header and it's an easy one for Jakub Stolarczyk to deal with in the Leicester goal. It's been a very good start to this game by the Owls. Update: Date: 12 min Title: Post Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Leicester have a free-kick up the other end after that scare and Jordan Ayew stands over it. It's a long way out and the Ghana international strikes it at goal but there's plenty of time for Pierce Charles to get across and make the save. Update: Date: 9 min Title: HITS THE WOODWORK Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed So close to an opener for the visitors! Nathaniel Chalobah sends a shot trickling across the post and it looks like Leicester keeper Jakub Stolarczyk gets the slightest of touches on it to divert it on to the post and deny Chalobah a very, very rare goal. Update: Date: 16:38 BST Title: 'Deafening applause' Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Owynn Palmer-AtkinBBC Radio Leicester commentator The applause is threatening to deafen us here, as the Leicester City fans stand up and applaud the Wednesday fans as they make their way down to their seats in protest against their owner. Update: Date: 7 min Title: Wednesday fans enter stadium Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed First real effort for Leicester as Luke Thomas shoots from the edge of the area and forces a strong save from Pierce Charles. A lovely showing of solidarity now as the home fans applaud the protesting visiting supporters as they enter the stands to support their team. The Foxes meanwhile have a free-kick, which the returning Abdul Fatawu whips past the post with that dangerous left foot. Update: Date: 5 min Title: Post Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Svante Ingelsson swings the corner in and it's met by Owls striker Bailey Cadamarteri, whose header goes high over the bar with Foxes keeper Jakub Stolarczyk in no man's land. Leicester can finally get on the ball now. Update: Date: 16:34 BST Title: 'Bannan will be the orchestrator' Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Matty FryattFormer Leicester City striker on Radio Leicester Everything will come through Barry Bannan, he will be the orchestrator and we have already seen three balls from him. Wednesday will load up the box and it will be a threat for Leicester, and it has all been in Leicester's box so far. Update: Date: 3 min Title: Post Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed The corner comes in and is headed back across goal but the hosts eventually get it away before it floats out harmlessly for a goal kick. A good start by the Owls as they win a second corner. Update: Date: 2 min Title: Post Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed The Owls win an early free-kick which captain Barry Bannan lofts in but it's easily dealt with by the Foxes defence. Wednesday keep it alive and win a corner. Update: Date: 16:31 BST Title: Leicester hold the mental advantage Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Matty FryattFormer Leicester City striker on Radio Leicester It is an advantage when you are settled and you haven't got any disruptions off the pitch - because these situations do make you take your eye off the ball a bit and it might be fine if they can hold off 85 minutes. But if Leicester are able to get a quick goal you will see mentally what it is like for the Wednesday players. The home support and it being a warm day will have a big say, but if Wednesday concede a quick goal, all those thoughts about the turmoil off the pitch will all come flooding back, and will begin to creep in to the way they play. Update: Date: 1 min Title: KICK-OFF Content: Leicester 0-0 Sheff Wed Away we go at the King Power Stadium. Update: Date: 16:28 BST Title: Post Content: Leciester v Sheff Wed (16:30 BST) The Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday players walk out at a sun-soaked King Power Stadium. The stands are nice and full except for one corner, where the Owls fans have staged a protest against the owners and will be taking their seats late today. A plane has already flown over the stadium with the message 'Dejphon Chansiri Out'. Almost time for the final Championship game of the opening weekend. Update: Date: 16:25 BST Title: Sheffield Wednesday's situation is bleak Content: Leicester v Sheff Wed (16:30 BST) Nick MashiterBBC Sport football news reporter at the King Power Stadium The situation at Sheffield Wednesday is bleak. Manager Danny Rohl and the majority of his staff left last month, players have left after handing their notices in and fans are united in anger against owner Dejphon Chansiri. Wednesday start their Championship season at Leicester with not just their immediate prospects in doubt but the long-term future of the club seemingly at risk, leaving the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust to plan ahead. "We are planning a phoenix club option if necessary, I don't think we will get to that, but being a responsible Supporters' Trust we are putting those plans in place," said deputy chairman James Silverwood. "Sheffield Wednesday will survive, what damage is done to it before is another question. "We have spoken with other Supporters' Trusts, from clubs lower down the leagues who have been in similar positions, and they have said organising a phoenix club is incredibly hard work and the leagues make you come up with business plans for different average attendances, for different leagues you might enter. "It's not something you want to be doing under crisis conditions. We are starting that now but we don't think it would be necessary." Update: Date: 16:23 BST Title: 'I am expecting a challenging game' - Cifuentes Content: Leicester v Sheff Wed (16:30 BST) Leicester City Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes on Sheffield Wednesday's struggles and how it will impact the Foxes' game: "Sheffield Wednesday are a big club and obviously we hear things and see it in the media, but my full focus is on Leicester. "We always respect the position of teams, especially in the situation they are in, we don't want to lose our focus. "We just need to respect them and be humble, and a lot of the time these adversities create big commitment from the players. "So, I am expecting a challenging game and a difficult game because of the situation they are going through at the moment." Update: Date: 16:19 BST Title: 'Wednesday fans are fearing the worst' Content: Leicester v Sheff Wed (16:30 BST) Rob StatonBBC Radio Sheffield And a fairly bleak outlook at the visitors, Sheffield Wednesday: Key ins: None, Sheffield Wednesday remain under an embargo preventing them from adding players Key outs: Josh Windass (Wrexham, free), Djeidi Gassama (Rangers, undisclosed), Pol Valentin and Michael Smith (both Preston, free), Michael Ihiekwe (Blackpool, free) Expectations? Sheffield Wednesday are understandably fearing the worst. The first-team squad has been decimated, the players and staff are not being paid on time, and there's a possibility of a points deduction. Many fans are resigned to relegation already and just want some hope for the future in the form of a change of owner. Strengths? It's hard to name one, given the absolute wrecking ball that has been taken to the squad. The only thing you can say is at least influential club hero Barry Bannan has signed a new contract. Weaknesses? Having so few senior players and no means, currently, to sign anyone. Not to mention a non-deal pre-season has hardly produced the ideal preparation. How can the squad in its current form get through 46 games of Championship football? Difference-maker? If Pierce Charles remains at Hillsborough, he is an outstanding talent. And if you're willing to permit a bit of gallows humour at a time like this, as the goalkeeper, he might have ample opportunity to shine. Aaron and Jobi's prediction: 24th Update: Date: 16:16 BST Title: 'Cifuentes' task is simple: securing promotion' Content: Leicester v Sheff Wed (16:30 BST) Owynn Palmer-AtkinBBC Radio Leicester Time for some expert analysis from our bumper Championship preview this week, starting with the hosts, Leicester City: Key ins: Asmir Begovic (QPR, Free) Key outs: Jamie Vardy (released), Conor Coady (Wrexham, £2m), Danny Ward (Wrexham, free), Daniel Iversen (Preston, free) Expectations? It is simple for Marti Cifuentes, he is tasked with getting Leicester City back into the Premier League as quickly as possible. He has to do it though, while integrating academy prospects into the first team and cutting down a bloated squad. Strengths? The wingers that the Foxes have at their disposal are without a doubt their greatest asset. The return of Abdul Fatawu, paired with Stephy Mavididi, Kasey McAteer and wonderkid Jeremy Monga, offers a varied and skilful roster capable of inflicting massive damage. Weaknesses? As things stand, they have not yet brought in another striker after the departure of Jamie Vardy. It's the impossible task… but one they have to face. Difference-maker? I've mentioned his name already, but Fatawu is the man to look out for. He's returned from his ACL injury looking quicker, stronger and more decisive in key moments. 72+ podcast presenters Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff's prediction: Fourth
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Adam Idah needs competition to thrive, says Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
The champions eased to a 2-0 win at Aberdeen thanks to goals in either half from midfielders Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate, but Idah struggled to make an impact in the centre-forward position. The 24-year-old was expected to kick on after Kyogo Furuhashi left in January, but Daizen Maeda took on the mantle of Celtic's main goalscorer after moving inside from a wide position, although the Irishman still finished on 20 goals. Given Celtic have since lost Jota to a long-term injury and sold Nicolas Kuhn, Maeda has been needed out wide, while Idah has been handed a chance to seize the number-nine role. 'There's no doubt that we need to reinforce the top line,' Rodgers said. 'There's no doubt. 'I'm really pleased with where we are structurally in defensive numbers. We've got a squad from our back line to midfield that can cope domestically and cope in the European competition. So I'm really pleased with that aspect. 'But I think we need competition at the top end of the field. 'For Adam, he's a big, honest boy. He was at his best here when was really challenging with Kyogo for the position and that's something that is important for us to get. But in the meantime, he will work hard and he'll always be that reference for us.' Asked if Idah needs a goal, Rodgers said: 'Listen, you're a striker at Celtic, you have to be strong mentally, you've got to score goals, of course. But I've a lot of faith in him. 'He really needs that real competition beside him. And I think that's when you then get the most out of him. 'He didn't quite score, but he worked very hard and he's given his all and it will get better as the season goes on.' Celtic's three goals this season have all come from midfielders, with Luke McCowan's late winner against St Mirren followed by Nygren getting off the mark for the club. The 24-year-old netted 15 goals for Nordsjaelland in the Danish top flight last season as well as scoring twice in his first four internationals for Sweden. Rodgers said: 'He's a player that can play as an eight, a 10, he can also play off the side. But his intuition is to get in the box and score goals and that's why we've brought him in.' Rodgers added: 'Any time you come to Pittdorie, it's always tough games. To come and play with that authority and personality in the game, that was pleasing.' Aberdeen made a bright start, but Celtic took full control before Nygren's 27th-minute opener. Dons manager Jimmy Thelin said: 'The way we defended in the first half and how we created the transitions was okay. 'The problem we have right now is the last pass and last decision when we arrive in an attacking position. And we are not arriving there enough to really hurt them.' Thelin would not comment on reports that Aberdeen are closing in on a deal to sign 21-year-old AC Milan striker Marko Lazetic on a free transfer. But he added: 'Everybody's working really hard to find the right player and bring him to Aberdeen so let's see what's going to happen.'
