Praise for Solbakken's decision: 'A wise move' for Norway's football team players to get two days off after win against Iraq

Norway's national football team coach Ståle Solbakken has granted his players a two-day break following their decisive 4-1 victory against Iraq. This decision, announced after the match, allows the team to step away from the intense training camp environment and recharge before their next fixtures. Solbakken explained the rationale behind the break, stating, "Everyone needs a little break. The guys benefit from clearing their heads a bit, and getting away from me and others."

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Everyone needs a little break. The guys benefit from clearing their heads a bit, and getting away from me and others.

The players are not required to return to the team's base in Greensboro until Friday, giving them an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends outside the official hotel. While some players plan to travel, with New York being a suggested destination, others may choose to stay closer to the team's location. Solbakken believes this period will help the team return "physically and mentally ready again."

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It's brilliant of Ståle to have two days off. It will be a long championship and the way to go far is to lower the guard.

This move has garnered significant praise from prominent Norwegian athletes. Former cross-country skier Petter Northug Jr. lauded the decision as "brilliant," emphasizing the importance of players lowering their guard during a long tournament. "It's important that the players get time off now," Northug told VG. "There will be tough matches ahead, so it's the right time for a break. Ståle knows what this team needs, and the players must switch on when it matters."

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There will be tough matches ahead, so it's the right time for a break. Ståle knows what this team needs, and the players must switch on when it matters.

Ole Einar Bjørndalen, a legendary biathlete, also views Solbakken's decision as wise. He understands the mental fatigue that can set in during demanding competitions. "You eventually get tired in the brain from thinking too much about football – or biathlon, as it was for me," Bjørndalen told VG. "When you then need to be 'on,' you can't be." He suggests that mental surplus often comes when one is not forcing focus, but rather engaging in other activities that occupy mental capacity.

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I think it is a wise decision Ståle (Solbakken) is making.