On Friday afternoon, the least surprising bombshell of the year went off in Norwegian football. Eirik Bakke has resigned as head coach of Åsane with immediate effect after a long period of poorly concealed frustration.
Åsane has in a somewhat diffuse way shown a new strategy after a period of poor finances, or as they themselves write: “The board of Åsane Fotball has this week made conscious choices for the club’s further development. With local roots, development and sustainability as pillars, the club is now taking the next step in a long-term work to build further, both sportingly and organizationally”
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According to Bergens Tidende, the resignation is due to the parties having “different views on the way forward”.
Bakke took over the coaching responsibility at the end of July 2024 and initially had a contract that stretched through the 2026 season.
– We would like to thank Eirik for the effort he has made for Åsane Fotball since the summer of 2024. He has been professional in his approach and loyal in his work for the club. We wish him all the best in the future, says general manager Trygve Amundsen of Åsane Fotball.
– I would like to thank Åsane Fotball for the time in the club and for the good cooperation with players, support staff and administration. I wish the club the best of luck,” says Bakke.
Åsane finished in 12th place in the OBOS league in the 2025 season and thus ensured continuity at the second highest level. Bakke has previously been a coach for Sogndal and Lillestrøm. – As an active football player, Eirik Bakke both started and stopped his career in Sogndal. He was under contract with Leeds for six years and spent one season on loan at Aston Villa. The centre-back also has four years at Brann and a number of international matches.
Previously came out hard against the club management
Already in August last year, Bakke caused a stir when he came out strongly against his own employer in Bergensavisen.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be coaching Åsane when the club is managed in this way,” Bakke said at the time.
The background to the frustration was that Åsane had earlier that summer made public serious financial problems. Employees were asked for pay cuts, and several players disappeared from the roster.
“In addition, we have seven or eight players with contracts expiring. There is a lot of work to be done, and I don’t feel the club understands that. Some people think things just work out by themselves, but they don’t. In the end, you get relegated,” said a clearly frustrated Bakke at the time.
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