Solbakken criticizes Bobb's finishing: 'Still living in Lilliput'
Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Coach Ståle Solbakken criticized player Oscar Bobb for not finishing a scoring chance against Sweden.
- Solbakken wants Bobb to improve his finishing and physical condition before the USA trip.
- Bobb acknowledged the criticism and will work on his game.
Norway's national football team coach, Ståle Solbakken, has expressed dissatisfaction with young talent Oscar Bobb's decision-making in front of goal. During the recent match against Sweden, Bobb, presented with a clear scoring opportunity, chose to dribble past the goalkeeper instead of taking a shot, ultimately resulting in the chance being wasted.
He was very good and found fine positions, and then he has to learn to finish. He is still living in Lilliput where he dribbles the keeper and carries it over the line.
"He is still living in Lilliput," Solbakken stated at a press conference before the team's departure for the USA and the World Cup. He elaborated that while Bobb found good positions, he needs to learn to finish. Solbakken recalled a similar situation in October where Bobb also faced criticism for his play.
It is bad of me. He (Ståle) got a little angry. It's completely fair. There was a bit of shouting. I will talk to him now.
Bobb, 22, acknowledged his coach's critique, admitting, "It was my fault. He (Ståle) got a little angry. It's completely fair." He added that he would discuss the matter further with Solbakken. Despite the criticism, Solbakken praised Bobb's overall performance in the match, calling it a "very good game" and noting that he was "terribly difficult to stop."
He lacks everything.
Solbakken also pointed out that Bobb has played few full 90-minute matches and needs to improve his physical condition. The team plans to work on this during their two-week preparation period before heading to the USA. Teammate Kristoffer Ajer also commended Bobb's performance, stating he was hard to contain.
He had a very good game, says Solbakken further.
Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.