Are Hokstad serves as the team manager for the Norwegian national football team, acting as a vital bridge between the players and the formal management structure. With over three decades of experience at the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), Hokstad is widely recognized as a cornerstone of the team’s culture, fostering deep personal relationships with key players like Martin Ødegaard and Erling Braut Haaland.
The Role of a Team Manager in Modern Football
At the highest levels of international football, success is rarely just about tactical prowess on the pitch. According to Are Hokstad, the human side of the sport is what sustains a team during high-pressure cycles like the World Cup. While head coach Ståle Solbakken focuses on the tactical and sporting direction, Hokstad manages the day-to-day environment, ensuring that players feel supported as individuals.
Hokstad’s influence is grounded in his long tenure at the NFF, which began in 1992. His responsibilities extend beyond logistical tasks, such as arranging travel or equipment; they include maintaining a personal dialogue with players. He describes this as a necessity, noting that he often has closer social ties to the squad than the head coach, a dynamic that helps maintain team morale and cohesion.
Are Hokstad’s connection to football is generational. His father, Erling Hokstad, served as the manager for the Norwegian women’s national team when they secured their historic first European Championship gold in 1987.
Building Culture Through Personal Connection
The “locker room” culture is a frequent topic in Norwegian football, and Hokstad is tasked with keeping that environment functional. Players like Jørgen Strand Larsen have publicly praised his impact, stating that Hokstad’s presence—often established when players first join the national setup—is a significant factor in their comfort and performance.
Hokstad emphasizes that the players are “regular young Norwegian people,” despite the immense wealth and fame surrounding stars like Haaland and Ødegaard. By maintaining a consistent, supportive presence, he ensures that the pressure of professional football does not alienate the players from their team identity. He even keeps in touch with players who fall out of the squad, sending messages to ensure they are doing well, which reinforces the sense of community within the organization.
Managing the Practical and the Emotional
The line between professional manager and personal confidant often blurs for Hokstad. He manages formal communication with clubs and handles complex logistics, yet he remains deeply invested in the players’ well-being. He recounts moments of intense emotion, such as the team’s qualification for the World Cup, as evidence of the strong bonds formed over years of working together.
For players like Martin Ødegaard, whom Hokstad has known since he was 15 years old, the relationship has evolved from staff-to-player to a long-term professional friendship. Hokstad notes that while he is not involved in formal team selection, the frequent, informal dialogue he shares with Ståle Solbakken ensures that the human element of the squad is always considered.
Pro Tip: The Importance of Internal Stability
Organizations looking to replicate high-performance team culture should look to the “Hokstad model”: prioritizing long-term personnel who understand the history and human needs of the group, rather than focusing solely on short-term tactical changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Are Hokstad’s primary responsibilities?
He handles the practical and logistical aspects of the national team while serving as a primary point of contact for player welfare and maintaining the team’s social culture. - How long has Are Hokstad worked for the NFF?
He has been with the Norwegian Football Federation since 1992, with only a brief three-year hiatus during which he worked for the fitness chain SATS. - Is Hokstad involved in team selection?
No, he states that he has no formal role in team selection, although he maintains an open, informal dialogue with head coach Ståle Solbakken regarding the players.
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