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ULLEVAAL STADION (VG) National team manager Lars Lagerbäck believes his players will exceed the limit after three games in six days.
– No, it is not even justified to play two games with two days on average. Physiologically, he is not good, but we should not blame him, it is the same for both teams, says the veteran at the post-match press conference.
With the Nations League decider against Serbia last Thursday, followed by home games against Romania on Saturday and Northern Ireland on Wednesday, the Norwegian national team players have really had their endurance tested.
– Anyone who knows a bit of physiology will say that it is not good. But I think boys cope well, they are good at resting and recovering. Plus, the crown pandemic “helps” us, as we can’t move that much, says Lagerbäck after Norway’s unconvincing 1-0 win over Northern Ireland:
The 72-year-old decided to make a series of changes in the two matches that followed Serbia’s 1-2 loss, and against Northern Ireland only five of the players who started the match started last Thursday.
– I realize that some want us to shoot even more, but you want to start with the best possible team, Lagerbäck tells TV 2.
Omar Elabdellaoui, who played against Northern Ireland as captain in the absence of Stefan Johansen, started all three games and was asked how he experienced it.
– Not optimal. It will be a lot. But as Lars says, it is the same with others as well. He’s just doing what he can to prepare for battle, but I feel it in my body, says the vice captain when asked by VG.
If Norway had beaten Serbia, another intense period of selection would have been necessary, with two Nations League matches and a decisive tiebreaker against Scotland.
At least now they are getting rid of that “problem”.
