Columbus confirm Henrik Rydström as new manager 🇸🇪 | OneFootball

MLS Eastern Conference powerhouse Columbus Crew have turned the page on a new chapter after announcing Henrik Rydström as the ninth manager in club history.

The 49-year-old former long-haul Kalmar midfielder arrives at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field after nearly three full seasons with Swedish Allsvenskan giants Malmö, where he led Di blåe to league honors in 2023 and 2024, as well as a Svenska Cupen triumph in 2024/25, before being relieved of his duties in September.

Speaking about the Crew's newest man in charge, General Manager Issa Tall said: “Henrik has proven his leadership ability throughout an established coaching and playing career, and we collectively share a vision for how we can continue to advance and evolve the Club’s dynamic style of play."

“During the head coaching search, we prioritized candidates’ personalities and care for their club as a whole, in addition to their coaching accolades. Henrik fully embodies these traits as the Crew’s head coach, and we’re eager to begin the 2026 season together with our long-standing goal of consistently contending for championships in Columbus.”

Rydström, who is joined by assistant Theodor Olsson and First Team analyst Mak Pakhei, is expected to build on the tactical ethos that former beloved manager Wilfried Nancy championed during his previous stint with the club before taking up his current post at Celtic.

In an interview with Sky Sports from 2024, Rydström stated: "Defensively, I wanted us to be close together. Everybody wants that."

"But then I started to think, 'what if we could be close to each other with the ball as well?' Then we can start to connect, find solutions & progress from there."

During his time in southern Sweden, Rydström posted a 52W-16L-22D record while presiding over 175 goals and surrendering 85.

📸 KEMAL ASLAN - AFP or licensors