Ståle Solbakken, the 58-year-old Norwegian national team manager, maintains a phone connection with his father, Svein Solbakken, every other day during the World Cup. According to Svein Solbakken in an interview with VG, this frequent contact has strengthened after the death of Solbakken’s mother, Mona, who suffered from Alzheimer’s and passed away 18 months ago.
How does the relationship between Ståle and Svein Solbakken impact the team?
Svein Solbakken provides a sounding board for the manager, though he avoids exerting direct pressure on team selections. He told VG that while they generally agree on tactics, he occasionally disagrees with one or two players in the lineup. For example, Svein expressed surprise when Ståle replaced 10 players for a match against France, noting that the decision sparked criticism from the 35,000 fans at Ullevaal.
The influence of the elder Solbakken is rooted in a lifelong passion for the sport. Svein played 550 A-matches for Grue IL and served as a coach when the Solør club finished fifth in what is now the Obos-ligaen. He also coached Ståle during his childhood years.
What is the physical and mental toll of the World Cup on the manager?
The intensity of the tournament is manifesting in Ståle Solbakken’s physical health. Svein Solbakken reported to VG that his son has been “coughing and hacking” and appeared exhausted. Following a victory over the Ivory Coast, the manager reportedly slept only two to three hours in Dallas.
To combat the demands of the schedule, which includes press conferences every other day, Ståle maintains a strict fitness regimen. According to his father, he spends significant time running on a treadmill to sustain the stamina required for a month-long tournament.
How is the “World Cup Fever” affecting Kirkenær?
The village of Kirkenær in Grue has become a hub of support for the Norwegian coaching duo of Ståle Solbakken and assistant Kent Bergersen. Svein Solbakken described the atmosphere as “wild,” with screens set up in the middle of the street and full houses at local venues.
The interest has expanded beyond traditional football fans. Svein noted that the excitement has drawn in people who have never attended a match, including a surprising number of women who are now fully engaged in the tournament’s progress.
What are the expectations for the match against Brazil?
Svein Solbakken believes Brazil is improving as the tournament progresses, noting that they appear stronger in second halves than in first. While he acknowledges Brazil possesses “class players everywhere,” he told VG that he sees an opportunity for Norway to succeed.
Despite the community fervor in Grue, Svein prefers to watch the matches alone in his detached house located between the highway and the Glomma river.
Comparison: Tactical Agreement vs. Public Reaction
| Scenario | Svein Solbakken’s View | Public/Press Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| General Lineups | Mostly in agreement | Standard scrutiny |
| France Match (10 changes) | “Herre min hatt” (My goodness) | Significant backlash/criticism |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Ståle and Svein Solbakken speak?
They speak on the phone every other day during the World Cup, according to Svein Solbakken.
Why has their relationship become closer recently?
The bond strengthened after the death of Ståle’s mother, Mona, who died 18 months ago after battling Alzheimer’s.
What is the mood in Grue regarding the national team?
The mood is described as “wild” and “intense,” with high community interest and public screenings in the streets of Kirkenær.
What do you think about the balance between family support and professional pressure in international sports? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into the world of football.
