Henrik Pedersen's admission over future as Sheffield Wednesday manager as David Storch era awaits
Henrik Pedersen expects he will still be the manager of Sheffield Wednesday next season.
When Danny Rohl fled the sinking ship last summer, Pedersen bravely picked up the baton.
He was given the taxing task of keeping the Owls ticking along on the pitch against a backdrop of intense off-field turbulence.
The 48-year-old was essentially powerless to prevent relegation from League One but there is renewed hope of a brighter future at Hillsborough.
American businessman David Storch has secured preferred bidder status and watched from the stands as Wednesday held Watford to a 1-1 draw last week.
Henrik Pedersen on his Sheffield Wednesday future
In an interview with Danish outlet DR, Pedersen spoke candidly about his future in South Yorkshire.
When asked if he will be following the Owls into League One, he said: “Right now, that's 100 per cent my expectation. But we're also waiting to find out who the new owners will be and what they want.
“It's going to be a big, big task to rebuild Sheffield Wednesday. It's with the stadium, the training facilities, everything, you have to start over again, but it could be big.”
Supporting players in ‘crisis situation’
Pedersen has not shied away from discussing the immense challenges that have been presented to him over the course of the campaign.
He has now admitted to shielding his players by carefully choosing the contents of some of his post-match assessments.
He said: “During the periods when it was the hardest, I couldn't include the worst examples in my post-match analyses. The players couldn't handle that.
“It's a crisis situation, and the players don't have the energy. It's more about surviving than being on top, and therefore it's not about how I want to play football, but about where my players are right now and how they have the fewest thoughts about the situation.
“If you don't get paid and are uncertain about your future, many questions arise. It's hard to be in the present when you have a lot on your mind, and it's hard to deliver top performance.
“But the players have been fantastic in giving their best. We have all stood together at the club and we have a fantastic culture despite the situation.”