Jens Berthel Askou will take charge of Toulouse FC for the first time on Saturday when his side hosts Lyon in Ligue 1.
The 43-year-old Danish coach was appointed to lead the French club on May 21, 2026. His competitive debut will take place at the Stadium in Toulouse, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 on August 22.
Toulouse FC, known locally as Les Violets, play in the top division of French football. The club earned its place in the top flight after winning the Ligue 2 title in 2022 and securing the Coupe de France in 2023.
Childhood Idols and Barcelona Influence
In an interview with local newspaper La Dépêche du Midi, Askou reflected on the footballing figures who shaped his passion for the sport during his youth. He recalled hanging posters of Diego Maradona on his bedroom wall as a teenager.
Askou described Maradona as the first player who made him fall in love with football. He highlighted the former Argentine international as an extreme winner who carried his team while maintaining a joyful approach on the pitch. Askou noted that Maradona never lost the spirit of a young boy in love with the game, which allowed children around the world to identify with him.
Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history. He led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986 and brought domestic success to Italian club Napoli during his playing career.
Askou also revealed that his favorite team growing up was Barcelona, specifically during the era managed by Johan Cruyff between 1988 and 1996. He praised the dominant performances of key players from that team, including Michael Laudrup, Romario, and Hristo Stoichkov.
Cruyff led Barcelona to four consecutive La Liga titles and the club's first European Cup trophy in 1992. His side became known as the Dream Team for its fluid, attack-minded style of play.
Tactical Inspirations Across Europe
When discussing his managerial influences, Askou pointed to several high-profile coaches across European football. He expressed admiration for Jürgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool from 2015 to 2024, praising the team's relentless pressing style.
Askou also cited Pep Guardiola across three distinct coaching periods. He noted Guardiola's control of matches at Barcelona from 2008 to 2012 and Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2016. He added that Guardiola's work at Manchester City between 2016 and 2026 impressed him with its ability to break down deep defensive blocks through precise movement in tight spaces.
The Danish manager praised Luis Enrique for bringing dynamism and high intensity to Paris Saint-Germain over the past four seasons. He also highlighted Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid for individual and collective defensive discipline, and Simone Inzaghi for the physical power demonstrated at Inter Milan between 2021 and 2025.
In addition to major clubs, Askou offered a special dedication to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. He cited the club as an ideal example of how a smaller organization can challenge established teams by relying on a clear structure, strong core values, and long-term development. Askou stated that this approach aligns closely with his own football philosophy.
Life Outside Football and Personal Retreats
Away from the dugout, Askou places strong value on quiet retreats in nature to clear his mind. He explained that when football does not occupy his time, he seeks out the silence of mountains and forests.
Askou owns a house in Denmark where he enjoys swimming in cold, pure lake waters. He described these outdoor activities as essential regeneration sessions shared with his wife and children, providing the ideal environment to rest mentally ahead of demanding fixtures.
Pre-Season Preparation and Transfer Activity
Toulouse FC concluded their pre-season preparations with a defeat against German club Hamburg. The result came after a series of four friendly matches designed to test squad depth and tactical setups ahead of the new league campaign.
The club is also active in the summer transfer window. Midfielder Thomas Jorgensen is close to completing a move to Toulouse, while defender Dayann Methalie is on the verge of departing the squad.
Former Toulouse head coach Élie Baup recently advised fans to remain realistic about the club's goals for the upcoming season. However, Askou confirmed that everyone within the organization shares the ambition of securing a return to European competition.
