Columbus Crew, a formidable presence in the MLS Eastern Conference, has initiated a new era by appointing Henrik Rydström as the club’s ninth manager. The 49-year-old, who previously showcased his skills as a standout midfielder with Kalmar, comes to the Crew after nearly three successful seasons with Malmö FF, where he claimed league titles in both 2023 and 2024, as well as a Svenska Cupen victory for 2024/25. His tenure at Malmö ended in September, but his achievements have positioned him as a promising leader for the Crew.
General Manager Issa Tall expressed strong confidence in Rydström, highlighting his extensive leadership experience throughout his coaching and playing career. “Henrik has proven his leadership ability,” said Tall. “We collectively share a vision for how we can continue to advance and evolve the Club’s dynamic style of play.”
Tall emphasized the importance of character during the coaching search, noting that the Crew sought candidates who display a passion for the club alongside their coaching expertise. Rydström exemplifies these qualities, and the Club is enthusiastic about starting the 2026 season with the goal of consistently contending for championships in Columbus.
Rydström will be supported by assistant coach Theodor Olsson and First Team analyst Mak Pakhei as he seeks to build upon the tactical foundation established by his predecessor, Wilfried Nancy, who departed for Celtic. Rydström’s coaching philosophy involves close coordination on the field, with an emphasis on offensive connectivity. He elaborated on this approach in a Sky Sports interview from 2024, stating, “Defensively, I wanted us to be close together. But then I started to think, ‘what if we could be close to each other with the ball as well?’ Then we can start to connect, find solutions & progress from there.”
During his time at Malmö, Rydström maintained a commendable record of 52 wins, 16 losses, and 22 draws, contributing to a total of 175 goals while conceding just 85.
With Rydström at the helm, Columbus Crew aims to enhance its competitive edge and continue its pursuit of excellence in Major League Soccer.