Hiljemark: ‘Great enthusiasm’ at being new Pisa coach at age 33 | OneFootball

New Pisa coach Oscar Hiljemark points to Elfsborg’s performances against Roma and Tottenham as proof of why he was chosen at age 33. ‘I felt great enthusiasm.’

Alberto Gilardino was sacked last week after managing only one victory, 11 draws and 11 defeats in Serie A so far this season, leaving them rock bottom of the table.

There is little time to prepare, as the new man will make his debut on Friday when Pisa face Hellas Verona in a relegation dogfight.

Hiljemark takes over at Pisa

BORAS, SWEDEN – OCTOBER 3: IF Elfsborg head coach Oscar Hiljemark gives a press conference after the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between IF Elfsborg and AS Roma at Boras Arena on October 3, 2024 in Boras, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

“I am very proud to be here. I felt a great sense of enthusiasm, but we need to start picking up points,” said Hiljemark in his press conference.

The club poached Hiljemark from Elfsborg, because he is no stranger to Italian football, having played for Palermo and Genoa during his career.

Aged only 33, the Swede becomes the youngest coach in Serie A, younger even than some of his players, and therefore with very little coaching experience.

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Cesare Prandelli new head coach of Genoa speak with Oscar Hiljemark during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SPAL at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 9, 2018 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Rattini/Getty Images)

“I had good games for my team against Roma and Tottenham in the Europa League. I’m very calm,” he said when asked about a lack of faith in his appointment.

“We must play as a team and not get downhearted when there are negative incidents. The important thing is to get the three points.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Alberto Gilardino, Head Coach of Pisa SC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

When asked if he would stick with the three-man defence set up by Gilardino, Hiljemark confirmed he would “not be changing the tactical system.

“It is a fantastic group of players, but the situation in the table is delicate. We won’t be perfect tomorrow, obviously, as we haven’t had time in these three days to work on everything.

“What I do want to see is a team that plays together, with clear ideas, knowing what it wants to do. We’ve got to concentrate on defending, dealing with set plays, and the first pass after winning back the ball.”

Juan Cuadrado and new signing Samuel Iling Junior are in the squad, but Adrian Semper, Raul Albiol, Daniel Denoon and Isak Vural are injured.