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Players brought to tears by 'fantastic good man': Norway's team manager valued for personal touch
🇳🇴 Norway /Sports

Players brought to tears by 'fantastic good man': Norway's team manager valued for personal touch

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Are Hokstad, the Norwegian national football team's "team manager," is highly valued by players for his personal connection and support.
  • Hokstad fosters strong relationships with players, extending beyond the professional realm into their personal lives.
  • His role is seen as crucial to the team's morale and success, particularly in building team cohesion.

Are Hokstad, the Norwegian national football team's "team manager," is emerging as a pivotal, albeit lesser-known, figure whose deep personal connection with the players brings many to tears. At 52, Hokstad is described as the players' best friend, fostering a sense of camaraderie that extends far beyond the pitch.

All of us here really appreciate Are Hokstad. We are ridiculously, ridiculously fond of him.

— Jørgen Strand LarsenA player's description of the high regard and affection the team holds for Are Hokstad.

His approach involves engaging with players on a deeply personal level, understanding their lives outside of football. Hokstad maintains regular contact with key figures like Martin Ødegaard, Erling Braut Haaland, and Sander Berge, but also makes an effort to support players who are not currently in the squad. This consistent outreach demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of every individual associated with the team.

I know he is well-liked by everyone, a fantastic good man. He usually says the same about me. So I say the same back.

— Jørgen Strand LarsenPlayer Jørgen Strand Larsen's positive assessment of Are Hokstad.

Hokstad's journey began at the Norwegian Football Federation's warehouse at age 18. Over the years, he has cultivated relationships that have become profoundly meaningful. He shared that his involvement with players like Martin Ødegaard, whom he has known since the player was 15, has led to genuine affection, blurring the lines of age and professional roles.

The dialogue with the guys comes to me. I have a lot of contact with the players.

— Are HokstadHokstad describing his role in maintaining communication with the team members.

"This isn't about national team players or football. This is about human relationships. I get involved on a personal level," Hokstad told VG. He believes his close proximity and long-term engagement allow him to connect with players more intimately than the head coach, Ståle Solbakken. This emotional investment is a testament to the strong bonds formed within the team, contributing significantly to their morale and unity as they prepare for the World Cup.

This isn't about national team players or football. This is about human relationships. I get involved on a personal level. That's why it's also more correct for me to be closer to the players than Ståle is.

— Are HokstadHokstad explaining the personal nature of his role and his close connection with the players.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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