3 hours ago
9
Norway boss Stale Solbakken has launched a stinging attack on one of his own players, claiming he is 'lacking everything'.
The national team manager tore into Manchester City's Oscar Bobb following a 1-1 draw against New Zealand, describing the 22-year-old's display as his weakest yet for the national side.
Solbakken was left furious with the midfielder's decision-making and work rate during Tuesday's friendly in Oslo.
Bobb had started on the right wing during Norway's 5-0 win over Israel just days earlier, impressing in attack alongside Erling Haaland. But Solbakken opted to deploy him centrally against New Zealand, a tactical switch that backfired badly in the coach's view.
'He was very poor in the first half,' Norwegian outlet VG report Solbakken as telling reporters post-match. 'He is lacking everything.
'He takes too long with the ball, positions himself strangely and doesn't press well. He's done that in training and been very good at it.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken has launched a stinging attack on one of his own players
The national team manager tore into Manchester City 's Oscar Bobb following a 1-1 draw against New Zealand
'But if you ask Oscar, I think he'll say that the first half was his weakest performance for the national team. The second half was the next weakest.'
The comments mark the first time Solbakken has openly criticised Bobb since his breakthrough into the senior squad. The City youngster, who returned to full fitness earlier this year after a foot injury, has made eight appearances for his club this season.
Solbakken, however, appeared to temper his criticism later in the press conference, stressing that the poor display was not cause for alarm. He argued that Bobb has been one of Norway's most consistent performers since his debut.
'I'm not wasting any energy on that,' Solbakken added. 'He has performed very, very well in almost every game, both further up the pitch and further out. It's not a concern.'
Bobb, speaking afterwards, did not dispute his manager's verdict. The midfielder accepted Solbakken's assessment, admitting the display fell short of his usual standards.
'It's a fair assessment,' he said, according to reports.
The Manchester City academy graduate has become one of Norway's brightest prospects under Solbakken, regularly featuring in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
His creative link-up with Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard has been central to Norway's push to reach next summer's finals.
Norway are closing in on their first World Cup appearances since 1998 and require just a point against Italy in the next international break
Norway have won all six of their World Cup qualifiers, having thrashed Israel 5-0 in their previous outing, and sit top of Group I. Tuesday's draw, however, exposed several weaknesses in midfield, with Bobb's quiet performance highlighting the lack of rhythm when Odegaard, currently sidelined through injury, is absent.
Solbakken's blunt post-match remarks follow a week of high spirits in camp, after Haaland's viral training ground antics drew headlines across Europe.
Despite the criticism, Solbakken made clear that Bobb remains central to his plans and allowed him to play all 90 minutes against New Zealand.
The midfielder is expected to feature in the final round of international matches in 2025.
Norway can qualify for their first World Cup since 1998 with a draw against Italy on November 16.
