Poya Asbaghi: Barnsley appoint Sweden Under-21 boss as new head coach



The side top of their European U21 Championship qualification group has Poya Asbaghi leaving.

The Swedish Under-21 coach Poya Asbaghi has been appointed as the new head coach of the club.

The 36-year-old is a former manager of Dalkurd FF, Gefle IF and IFK Gothenburg.

Schopp was sacked after a run of seven consecutive defeats and a single win from 15 league games.

"As we went through our recruitment process, it was clear that he would take us forward," CEO Khaled El-Ahmad said.

"We would like to thank the first-team coaching staff for their continued hard work and professionalism over the past few weeks during what has been a transitional period for the club."

After Schopp's departure, Laumann took charge of the Championship side on a temporary basis and won his first game in charge against Derby before the international break.

Iran-born Asbaghi oversaw 10 games in charge of the Sweden Under-21s, including Tuesday's European U21 Championship qualification match against the Republic of Ireland.

Although Sweden's first in seven games during qualification ended in defeat, Asbaghi leaves with the side top of Group F.

Laumann will be in charge of the game against Cottagers, while Asbaghi and his assistant will take charge on Monday.

The last two years have seen Barnsley's fifth permanent head coach, Asbaghi.

Can the team return to their high-pressing style?

Andy Giddings is the sport editor of the radio station.

The appointment of Poya Asbaghi is intriguing. He'll have his work cut out to win over the doubters in England.

The Reds players were not enamored with the direction, leadership, and style of play that Schopp was leading so if Asbaghi is to avoid being demoted to League One with 29 games remaining, clarity will be vital.

The Swede is known for playing a high-pressing style, but it's not easy to get the players to do it.