Henrik Pedersen has addressed his dismissal as manager of Sheffield Wednesday

Henrik Pedersen has admitted to being caught off-guard by Sheffield Wednesday’s decision to dispense of his services.

The 48-year-old was shown the door at the weekend having overseen a 2-0 derby defeat to Doncaster Rovers.

He was axed with the Owls sat eighth in the League One table and has been temporarily replaced at the Hillsborough helm by Matt Hamshaw.

Sheffield Wednesday have relieved Henrik Pedersen of his duties. | Steve Ellis

placeholder image — Sheffield Wednesday have relieved Henrik Pedersen of his duties. | Steve Ellis

Henrik Pedersen on Sheffield Wednesday exit

Pedersen has spoken candidly about his exit in an interview with Danish outlet TV 2 Sport, conceding it is “hard” to understand the decision.

He said: “I didn't see it coming. I definitely thought there would be a longer string than losing two games after a strong, strong period. I was called up, and then it was done. It was a short process.

“I knew it would be a tough start with 18 new players and League One with 46 matches in total, so there's not much time to train. But we've been really stable and have grown a lot.

“After nine undefeated matches and then losing two, it is, of course, a shock to be fired on the basis of that.

“I was just talking to my wife and the boys in the car. One minute, Milo is crying, and the next, he's singing Sheffield Wednesday songs. They loved it as much as I did. So, of course it hurts, but that's part of football, as we know.

Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers proved to be the final straw for the Owls hierarchy. | Jonathan Gawthorpe

“I basically always believe in the best in people, and it's hard for me to understand what happened, and they must have their reasons. Of course, it's disappointing, because they've been fantastic owners until Saturday.

“They've done a lot of things for the club, and that's why it hurts not to be a part of it anymore.”