Story Summary
Mikko Manner, who left a long spell in Finland to become Brynäs IF head coach in 2021, has said he regrets the move and should not have left Finland at that time. Manner led Brynäs to the playoffs in 2021/22, but the following season ended badly: Brynäs finished second-last in the SHL, Manner and his assistants were dismissed shortly before the qualification series, and Brynäs were relegated after Malmö won the series 4-1 in matches. Now back in Finland as HPK head coach, Manner said he was exhausted after his years at Kärpät and believes he should have taken a break before accepting Brynäs’ offer. He remains open to returning to the SHL.
Key Facts
- Mikko Manner was hired as head coach of Brynäs IF in 2021 after several years coaching Kärpät.
- In his first season, 2021/22, Manner led Brynäs to the SHL playoffs.
- In his second season with Brynäs the club finished second-last in the SHL table.
- Manner and his coaching staff were sacked by Brynäs just before the qualification series.
- The interim coaching staff led by Ove Molin were unable to keep Brynäs in the SHL.
- Malmö won the qualification series 4-1 in matches and Brynäs were relegated.
- Manner said in Urheiluromantikko that he regrets moving to Brynäs and would not have gone if he could travel back in time: ” If I could go back in a time machine, I would not have gone.”
- He described being ” a little exhausted” after his years at Kärpät and said he was not his best self during the Brynäs period.
- Manner criticised the timing of his dismissal, saying: ” I think we were fired too late. Either they should have fired us earlier or trusted us all the way.”
- Manner has returned to Finland and is now head coach of HPK.
- He said he remains open to a future return to the SHL but acknowledged his role in taking Brynäs to the qualification series may reduce his immediate appeal at that club.
IHM Discussion
Manner’s comments are a candid reflection on a high-profile coaching spell that began with early success and ended in relegation. He arrived with a strong record from Kärpät, led Brynäs to the playoffs in his first season, and then faced a much tougher second campaign. Manner links his own struggles in part to exhaustion after his Kärpät years, underlining the importance of timing and workload when coaches take on demanding new roles. His view that Brynäs dismissed the staff too late also highlights the difficult judgement clubs face when a season is at risk.
Why It Matters
Manner’s account offers a frank view of the pressures on coaches working away from home after demanding spells elsewhere. It also highlights the challenge for clubs when results deteriorate: decisions on continuity, support and change are made under intense pressure. For SHL teams and sporting directors, it is a reminder that coaching transitions demand clear planning as well as a response to results.
Mini Q&A
What did Mikko Manner say about his move to Brynäs?
Manner said he regrets the move and that, ” If I could go back in a time machine, I would not have gone,” adding he should have taken a break instead of leaving Finland then.
How did Brynäs fare under Manner?
Manner led Brynäs to the SHL playoffs in 2021/22, but the following season the club finished second-last and he and his assistants were dismissed before the qualification series.
What happened in the qualification series after Manner’s dismissal?
The interim staff led by Ove Molin were unable to keep Brynäs up; Malmö won the qualification series 4-1 in matches and Brynäs were relegated.
Where is Manner coaching now?
He has returned to Finland and is now head coach of HPK.
Does Manner want to coach in the SHL again?
Yes. He said he would gladly return to the SHL, while acknowledging that his role in taking Brynäs to the qualification series leaves him far from an obvious candidate at present.
Coach Mark Comment
Manner’s reflections underline the value of recognising fatigue before taking on another demanding job. For clubs, clear expectations and decisive communication matter most when results begin to turn.
What Comes Next
Manner has said he would welcome another opportunity to coach in the SHL. For now, he is head coach of HPK in Finland.
IHM Final View
Manner’s reflections expose the human dimension behind difficult results. His admission of exhaustion and his criticism of the timing of Brynäs’ decision offer a candid perspective on his time in Sweden. He has made clear that he would welcome a future return to the SHL.