Solbakken Defends 'Ruthless' Lineup Choices, Regrets Fan Disappointment

National football coach Ståle Solbakken fiercely defended his controversial decision to make ten changes to Norway's lineup for their match against France, a game they lost 4-1. Solbakken stated he has "no regrets" and "100 percent stands by the decisions" made, emphasizing his primary goal is to advance Norway as far as possible in the World Cup.

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I have no regrets. On the contrary. I stand 100 percent behind the decisions I made.

His only expressed regret was for the fans who traveled or watched from home, hoping to see star players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard in action. "The only thing I have a stomach ache for is all the supporters who were in Boston or sat at home and wanted to see Erling (Braut Haaland) and Martin (Ødegaard)," Solbakken said at a press conference.

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The only thing I have a stomach ache for is all the supporters who were in Boston or sat at home and wanted to see Erling (Braut Haaland) and Martin (Ødegaard).

Solbakken asserted his "ruthless" approach to team selection, explaining that his job requires him to make the best choices for the team's success, even if unpopular. He acknowledged that some players who did not play against France trained separately, including Julian Ryerson, who was recovering from an injury.

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It would have been completely unreasonable and strange if Haaland had played, only to then get a strain. You can't win that discussion here anyway.

Norway's next match is a Round of 16 game against Ivory Coast in Dallas. The team is scheduled to travel to Dallas on Sunday.

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