The national team manager’s relationship with its biggest stars was highlighted as one of the reasons for the extension. Martin Odegaard and Erling Braut Haaland are undoubtedly two players the Norway coach needs to see in their best form to make it to the European Commission.
They are two important players. Especially if they appear. We have high expectations for that now, Solbakken says.
The NFF also held consultations with two of its key players before extending the contract.
– If they say: “Damn it, you can screw it up.” Then I will not sit here now. I’m not that naive.
– It is important for Norwegian and international football. They are powerful voices in football right now. Now Erling will probably come up with a title or three. Martin had a great season and both were hugely successful.
– We are not human. City or Arsenal
And according to Solbakken, the influence of the star on the rest of the group is very great.
What they do internally in the national team today will have a very big impact on a group of players.
– We’ll take advantage of that. Fortunately, they are positive and willing to contribute. At the same time, they must be part of this team. We are not Manchester City or Arsenal.
But the star duo still had to perform in the Norway kit.
Norway’s Erling Braut Haaland, national team manager Stäli Solbakken and Martin Odegaard during a training session with the Norway men’s national football team at Stosice Stadium. Photo: Fredrik Varfjell/NTB
– I treat everyone equally in terms of performance. When Martin and Erling were bad against Montenegro, I substituted them. If they were close to what they offer now, this situation wouldn’t come up as often.
Solbakken believes that it is not difficult to have two such luminaries in the performance group.
Not as long as they have the personality they have. It would have been different if they had a different personality.
This removed all doubt
Solbakken’s new agreement runs to 2025 and will be extended if the national team reaches the play-offs in spring 2026. If Norway qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, the contract will be extended until after the tournament.
The trainer says he had to go a few rounds with himself before accepting the offer. The 55-year-old tells TV2 what made him think about it, and why he finally signed up.
It’s that longing to be on the training ground every day. As a club coach, you have 50-60 matches a year. You have to see if you can handle it with a few matches. At the same time, doubt is dispelled by the fact that many people want us to make it happen. Not only me, but also Liz, Karl Peter and a hungry group of guys, Solbakken tells TV 2.
Ståle Solbakken, Lise Klaveness and Karl-Peter Løken at Monday’s press conference. Picture: Eric Monrad Hansen/TV2
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