Bengt “Bengan” Johansson died at the age of 79, after a period of illness.
“Pengan Boys” mourns the former captain of the national team and has many strong memories.
I want to remember him mainly as a big man with a huge heart, says Bear Carlin.
Bengt “Bengan” Johansson developed Parkinson’s disease and died on Sunday, May 8.
As captain of the national team of Sweden men’s national team 1988-2004, he won two World Cup gold medals, four European Championship gold, three Olympic silver, two World Cup silver and three World Cup bronze medals.
Magnus Weslander He was one of the biggest stars and is now an expert at Radiosporten.
– It was a shock, even though we knew it was bad for a while. Even if we expect it, it will be hard and the tears will come. We’ve had a good time for 15 years and have been close friends. I remember him as a competitor when I played at Redbergslid in the 80s and time together in the national team. Magnus Weslander says she’s a character we’ll miss.
“the greatest human being”
Per Carlén was also one of the most famous players and served as an expert commentator for SVT.
– I found out on Sunday night and it was hard, it’s a myth that has expired. He will turn eighty this year, I was at his 75th birthday party and spoke to him regularly. You can collect memories of handball, but I want to remember him mainly as a big guy with a huge heart. He thought a lot about everyone and really wanted to make sure everyone was okay. He was the greatest human and human being, and that means a lot to the time we live in a different situation. I spent a few hours sitting and thinking again, neck hair rising over and over again, Bear Carlin says.
“Great leader”
Stefan Lofgren was the captain of the national team and also worked as an expert after his football career.
You feel heavy, even if you know he’s sick. At the same time, I am happy with all the good memories that light up when I sit and think. It would be a mixture of fond memories and sadness because he no longer exists. What I remember most is the person with his incredible warmth, concern and presence towards others. He knew the importance of everyone feeling good, being seen and feeling involved in achieving success. This depth warms me. Stefan Lofgren says: “He was a great leader and it’s an honor to be part of the success.”
“too empty”
Magnus Anderson was recruited into Drott when he was 22 years old by Bengt Johansson and was a captain of the national team for 15 years.
He himself became a successful coach after his football career and today leads Porto in the Champions League.
– I’m so empty, sad and shocked. It would be a shock even if you knew he was sick. It completely shaped my leadership,” says Magnus Anderson.
Ola Lindgren was promoted to Drott’s first team as a youngster by Bengt Johansson and is probably one of all the Bengan Boys he’s met the most.
– He’s been involved in my whole career. I met Bengt two weeks ago. I always skipped it and had a coffee when I was home in Halmstad. Then he said, “Now that’s not good,” says Lindgren.
– He’s one of the biggest leaders we have in Sweden. He saw everyone in a team and made everyone feel involved. He was almost unique in the way he acted as a leader. He had no prestige as a leader. His players were his children. It was the players who would be seen and developed. As I approached him away from handball, it became clear that he was a great person and the great values he had,” Lindgren says.
Johansson’s old disciples were clearly moved by the message.
Staffan Olsson couldn’t hold back his tears on the P4 Extra radio in the afternoon when he started talking about Johansson.
– It really is a day of mourning, he says in a cracking voice.
– Oh, I didn’t think this would happen. It feels incredibly heavy and sad. Since the news came out, they’ve been spending a lot of time with all the wonderful memories they have with Bengan.
Bengt “Bengan” Johansson was born in Halmstad and as a national team player he also won two golds in the Sweden Championships for Greece and a gold medal at the Sweden Drutt Championships.
