Solbakken's message to Ancelotti makes waves in Brazil
Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken's locker room message after Norway's win against Ivory Coast has gained attention in Brazil.
- Solbakken's statement, "Wait Carlo Ancelotti, we are coming for you," was directed at the Brazilian national team's manager ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 match.
- The quote has been widely reported by Brazilian media, with Solbakken clarifying it was a "homage" to Ancelotti.
A motivational message delivered by Norwegian national football team coach Ståle Solbakken to his players after their victory against Ivory Coast has sparked considerable discussion in Brazil. The quote, "Wait Carlo Ancelotti, we are coming for you," was Solbakken's closing remark to his team as they prepared to face Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16.
The statement, captured on video by the Norwegian Football Federation and shared on their channels, was clearly intended for the Brazilian team and its high-profile manager, Carlo Ancelotti. Brazil's major sports outlets, including Globo, Lance, and Diario, have prominently featured Solbakken's words in their headlines, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the upcoming match.
Speaking at a press conference, Solbakken clarified his intentions, describing the remark as "more of a homage" to Ancelotti, whom he considers one of the greatest figures in European football history. Ancelotti, a five-time Champions League winner, has managed numerous top clubs and is now leading the Brazilian national team, a nation with a rich football legacy but whose last World Cup triumph was in 2002.
Solbakken acknowledged meeting Ancelotti on previous occasions and described him as a "very nice man with a good sense of humor." He expressed no apprehension about the potential impact of his statement on Ancelotti. The article also references Norway's historical success against Brazil, including a famous 1998 World Cup victory, considered a peak moment in Norwegian football history, and notes that Norway is the only team Brazil has never beaten in official matches.
Wait Carlo Ancelotti, we are coming for you
Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.