FIFA WC: Norway coach hails "easy going superstar" Halaand ahead of tournament opener
Oslo, June 3
Norway football team head coach Stale Solbakken hailed team's "easy-going superstar" Erling Haaland and spoke on his team's status as the dark horse contenders to go far in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
A Haaland-powered Norway secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence from the tournament last year under Solbakken, who was part of the squad at the FIFA World Cup 1998. The Manchester City striker has been exceptional for Norway in the Qualifiers and enjoys the status as the biggest superstar of the team.
But despite all the stardom, records and club trophies, Erling does not have any ego, and the coach admits he is an "easy guy to coach".
"Erling Haaland is a very easy guy to coach," Solbakken said as per FIFA's official website.
"He wants the best for the team, he loves to be with his team-mates, and he loves to have fun with all the staff around the team. He is a very easy-going superstar," he added.
Solbakkaen says that the qualification means a lot of the whole nation, especially the fans.
"I think it means a lot for the whole nation, especially the common supporter. I waited for this for a long time, and I think it has been hard for everyone to sit at home at every World Cup back to when I played in 1998," he said.
He also said that after the qualification was sealed, 50,000 fans came to meet the players in extreme cold.
"Fifty thousand fans came to meet us [after qualification was confirmed] on a Monday in minus four [degrees], so that says it all. They have waited for this moment for so long, and now it is finally here. I feel relieved, because you are living with this pressure in this job. Obviously, after we beat Italy 3-0, everyone said 'Now, finally, we will do it', but you know in football everything can happen," he said.
"My feeling is still that I am so relieved, not only for the players, but also the doctors, physios, everyone - because they have maybe been here longer than me and been in more qualifications that have not gone well," he added.
Ahead of the World Cup, Norway have emerged as a "dark horse" to make it deep in the tournament, having placed in Group I with France, Senegal and Iraq. But the coach is not really comfortable with the tag.
"I do not think we are dark horses to get all the way. I think we are dark horses in terms of, on our day, we can maybe beat a stronger opponent. But to say that we are dark horses for the whole tournament is too far," he said.
"We are in a very hard group. Obviously, France is a big favourite in that group, and then the other three countries have to fight for second place and third place. I think it will be very tight and hopefully we have the organisation and the match-winners to get through," he added.
He is convinced if Norway are at their best, they could play the round of 32 and hopefully beyond.
"For Norway, this is the World Cup to express themselves - to show the world that we play, maybe, a different kind of football than what we have done before, and that we are an offensive team with good individuals that work hard for each other," he said.
On his ultimate goal for the World Cup, he refused to reveal, saying "my dreams are for myself".
"But hopefully we can get the best out of the team and on our day, then we can beat anyone," he signed off.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who follows European football, Solbakken's playing down of the "dark horse" tag is smart. Group I with France is brutal, but Haaland can single-handedly win matches. India doesn't have a star like that yet, but our ISL players are improving. Good luck to Norway!
Norway qualifying after 28 years is a big deal for the fans. Solbakken's comment about the pressure of the job is something every coach can relate to, even in Indian football. Haaland being called "easy-going superstar" is refreshing - no drama, just quality. Want to see them in knockouts!
Respect to Solbakken for being realistic about group stage. France is almost a guaranteed top spot, but Haaland vs Mbappe will be a generational matchup! India needs more coaches like him who stay grounded while dreaming big. My dark horse pick: Norway to finish second in group. 💪
"My dreams are for myself" - what a line from Solbakken! Truly a coach who keeps team's interest first. Norway's story of making it after 28 years is inspiring. 🇮🇳 When will we see India in a World Cup? Until then, teams like Norway give us hope that smaller nations can dream big.
Interesting perspective from the coach. Haaland's attitude is what makes great players - talent with humility. The 50k fans in freezing weather shows how much the World Cup means to nations. India's football fans would do the same if we qualified. Hope Norway can cause some upsets!