ST. LOUIS–Management for Saint Louis City SC is confident in their selection of Olof Mellberg as the next head coach to lead the team on the pitch. A press conference on Friday began with team president, Diego Gigliani, and sporting director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, gushing about Mellberg. 

What You Need To Know

  • Mellberg, a native of Sweden, played and coached in multiple leagues and played Center-back and was the captain for Sweden in two FIFA world cups

  • As a manager, Mellberg has a boastful career winning record

  • Among the numerous teams seeking his coaching services was the Swedish international team

  • “I want to build non stop players” said Mellberg. “I think if you look at the highest level of football in the world you see the teams are constantly switched on.” He expects his players to be physically and/or mentally “always switched on.”

“For me the leadership qualities which (Mellberg) learned not just as a coach but also as a player, being a captain for big teams–is extremely important for how you manage a group, how he leads his stuff, how he will be included into the football community here,” said Lutz. “His work ethic, the way he coaches, the way he interacts with players and his stuff is something we figured out pretty quickly.” 

Lutz went on to say they had the feeling they’d found the right man to lead the team when they met Mellberg in Stockholm. 

Mellberg, a native of Sweden, played and coached in multiple leagues and played Center-back and was the captain for Sweden in two FIFA world cups. As a manager, Mellberg has a boastful career winning record. He’s reputed for delivering results above expectations. Among the numerous teams seeking his coaching services was the Swedish international team. 

Diego said they had more time to run this process better than most teams because they parted ways with City SC's first coach, Bradley Carnell, in July 2024. John Hackworth filled in as interim coach for the rest of the season.

With data on over 25,000 coaches across the world, they added filters before eventually landing on Mellberg. His very disciplined work ethic was key for Diego and Lutz in homing in on Mellberg. They feel his approach will unlock the winning culture City SC desires.

Mellberg said one thing different for him as a coach in the MLS is the media attention, but he doesn’t believe it’ll phase him. He was excited for the opportunity with City SC as the quality of the league continues to improve and the gameplay is influenced from all over the world. 

For City SC players, changes will come. Mellberg’s training methods include high intensity and high energy methods.

“I want to build non stop-players” said Mellberg. “I think if you look at the highest level of football in the world you see the teams are constantly switched on.” He expects his players to be physically and/or mentally “always switched on.”