Heimir Hallgrimsson: Volcanoes, Connection, and Disrespect – The Making of a National Hero

After managing the IBV men’s and women’s teams in his first years as a coach, he was appointed assistant coach to Iceland coach Lars Lagerbäck in 2011.

It was a succession plan set to see Lagerback take a step back in 2014.

However, plans changed and Hallgrimsson was promoted to joint manager, and the duo led Iceland to their first major tournament at Euro 2016.

Not only that, they qualified from their group before the famous victory over England in the round of 16, which is still celebrated in the country 10 years later.

Hallgrimsson would then take sole control and Iceland qualified for their first, and so far only, World Cup in 2018.

“Under Heimer, IBV teams have always achieved great things and almost won the league, which would have been an incredible achievement,” Asgeirsson added.

“I learned a lot from Lars, who changed Icelandic football with his philosophy and attitude towards everything.

“He took things to another level and was really disciplined.

“With both IBV and Iceland, you can definitely say Hemer has always been a coach who gets the most out of the players.”