Norway

New Year. New Coach.

After a disappointing 2008 season, Norway’s coach Åge Hareide left his position as Norway’s head coach. Egil Olsen, the man who made Norway a formidable European power, has been hired as a ad-interim coach while a permanent coach is being sought after. Egil Olsen coached Norway into qualifying for both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, the only time Norway made consecutive World Cup appearances.

Coach Olsen spoke to VG:
It will be a challenge taking over a team which has not been performing too well lately, but I have always loved the national team and if the players are willing to listen to my advice and adjust themselves to my type of football, I sincerely believe that we have a good chance to qualify.”

Norway’s first game of 2009 will be a friendly match at Germany on February 11. Hiring 66 year old “Drillo” Olsen shows a glimmer of hope for qualification after a very disappointing start.