Podcast: Mikko Mannerilta direct talk about his years in Sweden: "I shouldn't have left"

The current head coach of HPK and long-time assistant coach of the Lions Mikko Manner was a guest on the Big Boys podcast, where he extensively discussed his coaching career.

Manner, 52, served as the head coach of Kärpät during the seasons 2017-2021, where the first season ended with a Finnish championship and the second with a silver medal. After his time with Kärpät, Manner moved to Sweden to coach Brynäs for two seasons from 2021-23, serving as the head coach for almost two seasons until he was fired in March 2023.

Manner spoke candidly about his years in Sweden on the podcast. He expresses in hindsight that the move to the SHL should not have been made at that time.

– I regret a bit that I wasn’t the best version of myself at that time. I was a bit worn out after those years with Kärpät. When we initially had only wins and then started losing, I didn’t understand why the workload wasn’t rewarded with victories anymore. I couldn’t fully handle it and began to feel a bit exhausted.

– But when I was asked to come to Brynäs, it was one of those moments where I thought, “I probably won’t be asked again if I don’t seize this opportunity.” In hindsight, if I could go back in time, I shouldn’t have left. I should have taken a break in between and gathered my strength, Manner says.

In Manner’s first season, Brynäs made it to the playoffs, but in the second season, they finished 13th in a 14-team league. Manner and his assistants Kalle Kaskinen and Ari-Pekka Pajuluoma were fired before the upcoming relegation playoffs. Brynäs’s season ultimately ended in relegation.

– I think we were fired too late. They should have either let us go earlier or trusted us until the end, Manner states.

Manner also mentions that during the second season, he became frustrated with a few external people associated with the team and was irritated by their opinions, which drained extra energy from the Finnish coach.

– Certain mistakes were made in managing the overall situation. I wasn’t the best version of myself in terms of energy. It has left a bit of bitterness since it was otherwise such a great experience. The club, the fans, the league, and everything related to the game events. Two games a week, everyone in the league playing the same number of games at the same time. Almost every game had the arena nearly sold out, Manner lists.

Manner expresses that he still longs to return to the SHL, but he also understands the realities of the moment.

– It would be amusing to get back. But since I’ve been leading Brynäs into relegation playoffs, I’m probably not the hottest commodity there at the moment. But time will tell; let’s see if I get a chance to show my skills there someday, Manner concludes.