An ex-elite player becomes an expert and then an unexpected presenter in the Premier League studio.
In England, Gary Lineker followed this path.
Now Richard Henrikson does it in Sweden.
– I will not sit there and criticize the experts. Then I fail, he says before the premiere of Viaplay airs on Sunday.
First Allsvenskan match in 1999.
He worked as a football expert at Radiosport in 2008.
Sunday do Richard Henrikson Debuting as a studio announcer on TV while driving Premier League-study i Viaplay.
nervously?
Nervousness is not a word but a wonderful expectation.
It’s an unusual step to go from expert to presenter – will you stop giving opinions or will you become presenter with opinion?
– I’ll find my style. I will lead the program and advance our experts. I’m not going to sit there and beat them to expert knowledge. Then I fail. Then the TV wouldn’t be good. But obviously I would benefit from the fact that I have that background and that I was in a position where our experts are. By challenging them, I hope to bring discussions, conversations, and angles.
Can be inspired by Lineker
The only person I know who has gone the same way, from expert to presenter, is Gary Lineker. So you and Linker now.
– I’m not Gary Lineker. In many ways. Absolutely not (laughs). But to be a little serious: Lineker is a very skilled broadcaster. He knows a lot and uses it in a humble and above all curious way. It’s the friend of savvy and knowledgeable viewers that you hold in your hand and then have that discussion with the experts. In terms of these qualities, he is an inspiration. I would like to think I have at least that curiosity and humility. I don’t need to outperform anyone else but I like to challenge them (the experts). If you have an elite football career, then obviously you should use it in the Premier League studio. But it is important to do it the right way.
What made you leave Sports Radio after just over 13 years?
– I had a great time at Radiosporten and during these years I’ve had quite a few offers to change assignments. Beautiful and attractive offers. I was able to be very picky because I had such a good time on the radio. But this was very tempting because it could develop me and with the experience I bring I hope to participate in the development of something really very good today. I felt like this was a perfect match, making me take the step I had rejected so many times before.
Will the Premier League be the only one for you on Viaplay?
– We start there. After all, we have the Europa League, the Conference League and the international matches too. There are also ideas for creating other football materials, and it’s not just a live studio. There are exciting things happening here that I would like to be a part of and help develop.
Looking forward to working with Ljungberg
Which of the Viaplay experts you most look forward to working with?
The actual, honest, and somewhat boring answer is probably “everyone.” All are wonderful.
But this way: The only person I’ve ever met before I started here is Fredrik Ljungberg. Getting to know a football player with experience, knowledge and humility would be great.
What is your favorite team in the English Premier League?
A very boring answer: I have nothing. I thought the Crystal Palace kits looked good in the 1990 FA Cup and Wright and Bright were on top, easy-to-learn names. But I released it a few years before Thomas Brolin got there. I don’t define myself as a fan of any football team. I am a big supporter of the NFL team – New Orleans Saints. I sit and chew on the couch when they play. I don’t do that when another team is playing.
Favorite Premier League player?
I love watching Kevin De Bruyne play soccer. If he’s in the field, I’m looking for him.
How will the top three in the English Premier League end this year?
– I stopped being an expert and thought I’d avoid that by tipping afterwards (laughs). But I would say 1. Manchester City, 2. Liverpool, 3. Tottenham.