Solbakken defends Norway's World Cup squad changes after France loss

Norway coach Stale Solbakken stands by his decision to field a heavily rotated squad against France in their final World Cup group game, despite the team suffering a 4-1 defeat. Having already secured qualification for the knockout stage, Solbakken opted to rest star players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, while also giving several squad members their World Cup debuts.

“

I have no regrets - quite the opposite. I stand 100 per cent behind the decisions I made.

"I have no regrets - quite the opposite. I stand 100 per cent behind the decisions I made," Solbakken told reporters. He expressed regret only for the fans who missed the opportunity to see prominent players in action. The coach emphasized that his choices are aimed at maximizing Norway's chances in the upcoming knockout rounds, specifically mentioning their next match against Ivory Coast.

“

The only thing I feel bad for is all the fans who were in Boston or sat at home and wanted to see Erling and Martin. I hope what I chose will give us a better experience on Tuesday, and maybe another experience and another experience.

Solbakken addressed concerns about Haaland's pursuit of the Golden Boot, noting that playing him and risking injury would have been an unreasonable gamble. "It would be completely unreasonable and odd if Haaland had played, then got a strain, you can't win that discussion regardless," he explained. The 58-year-old coach reiterated his commitment to making difficult decisions that he believes will benefit the team's overall performance and longevity in the tournament.

“

It would be completely unreasonable and odd if Haaland had played, then got a strain, you can't win that discussion regardless.

"My job is to do what I believe deep down is the right thing to do to ensure that Norway goes as far as possible in the World Cup," Solbakken stated. He concluded by saying he could not live with himself if he did not make every possible effort to guide Norway through the competition. The team is set to face Ivory Coast in Dallas on Tuesday.

“

My job is to do what I believe deep down is the right thing to do to ensure that Norway goes as far as possible in the World Cup.