Norway head coach Stale Solbakken addressed the comments he made in the team’s locker room following their victory over Ivory Coast on Tuesday, the 30th. In a lighthearted tone in front of his players, the manager—who will face Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16—said:
‘Just you wait, Carlo Ancelotti. We are coming.’ The video went viral on social media after being posted by the Norwegian Football Federation’s official account, showing the coach giving an emotional speech following the team’s qualification.
In an interview on Wednesday, the 1st, Solbakken denied any controversy and expressed immense respect for Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazil national team.
“I stay as far away as possible from provoking anyone. It was more of a tribute to him. Ancelotti is perhaps the greatest coach in the history of European football, along with Guardiola, Mourinho… from a historical perspective. I have great respect for him. I met him a few times when I was at Copenhagen and we faced Chelsea and Real Madrid in the Champions League,” he stated.
The coach further explained the casual nature of the moment:
“He is a great guy with a great sense of humor. We have the utmost respect for him and for Brazil as well. I think you can see the funny side of it. It wasn’t a deep analysis, just a reminder of what we have ahead of us in the next 4 or 5 days.”
Stale Solbakken emphasized that Brazil is the heavy favorite for next Sunday’s matchup, labeling Ancelotti’s squad as one of the main contenders for the title.
“I think Brazil is finding its rhythm naturally, getting better and better. They have good players in every position. I’m looking forward to the challenge. Brazil is the favorite, of course. And also a major candidate to be champion. But it was our destiny to face them, and we will try to play the best we possibly can,” he concluded.
