Kristjaan Speakman named FC Copenhagen sporting director as he outlines immediate priorities | OneFootball

Kristjaan Speakman has returned to football as FC Copenhagen’s new sporting director, his first job since leaving Sunderland earlier this year.

He takes over after a poor campaign in which the club were in the relegation division for the first time. Victory in the division’s European play-off means they enter the UEFA Conference League at the qualification stage in 2026/27. The club said he was the preferred candidate after a rigorous recruitment process.

Speakman expressed pride at joining what he called a fantastic club, pointing to a special history and a unique fan base with demanding standards. He set the task as relentlessly improving sporting functions to bring trophies back and to build a platform for continued success.

He outlined an immediate focus on supporting Bo Svensson and the sporting staff, assembling a first-team squad capable of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League and challenging for the championship, with work already under way.

Over the longer term, he will lead a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening the club’s sporting position across all teams and departments. He will officially start on the first of July.

CEO Jacob Lauesen praised Speakman’s strategic insight and practical experience and characterised him as the right figure to drive the club’s development, welcoming the collaboration ahead.

Source: Sunderland Echo