Alexandersson returns to Bergen: 'It will be special'

Freyr Alexandersson's return to Bergen as the head coach of Rosenborg, a rival to his former club Brann, promises a particularly charged atmosphere. Alexandersson, who was dismissed by Brann in June after a challenging spring season, will face his former players and supporters on Sunday.

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It will be special, he is a man I wish all the best, except on Sunday. Now Freyr coaches Rosenborg, so we are enemies.

Brann players recall Alexandersson's charisma and popularity, noting that his departure was abrupt and lacked a proper farewell. "It was not a farewell beyond messages. But that's the game, unfortunately," said Brann player Ulrik Mathisen. Captain Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen added, "It will be special, he is a man I wish all the best, except on Sunday. Now Freyr coaches Rosenborg, so we are enemies."

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It was not a farewell beyond messages. But that's the game, unfortunately.

Despite the circumstances of his exit, Alexandersson is expected to receive a warm welcome from the Brann fans. Erlend Ytre-Arne Vågane, chairman of the supporters' group Bataljonen, anticipates a "very positive reception" at Brann Stadium, acknowledging Alexandersson's popularity during his tenure.

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I think the reception will be quite good. He was well-liked here, so I think it will be okay.

However, the sentiment is complicated by Alexandersson's immediate success with Rosenborg. He has led the team to three wins in three Eliteserien matches, scoring ten goals and conceding none. This success is a source of frustration for Brann supporters. "Seeing Rosenborg succeed is always awful. We wish Freyr as a person all the best, and then we wish all evil upon his current coaching endeavors," Vågane stated, indicating that the animosity towards Rosenborg likely outweighs the goodwill towards Alexandersson personally.

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I expect that it will be a very positive reception at the stadium. It will be very strange, because it's not like we usually welcome the Rosenborg coach to the stadium.