We at Sporten just love how the Spanish media and in this case Mundo Deportivo describe the success of Bodø/Glimt and the Norwegian footballer.
Inside Bodø/Glimt: Why it is strictly forbidden to talk about results and shoot outside the box
Head coach Kjetil Knutsen is based on a collective approach where the team always comes first – a philosophy that is reinforced by mental training sessions led by a former fighter pilot in the Norwegian Air Force.
Read: Barcelona’s Champions League revenue soars to new heights
Bodø/Glimt’s adventure in this year’s Champions League has caught global attention. In fact, the interest has become so great that even the Brazilian media has begun to delve into the principles behind the Norwegian team’s historic achievements.
At the center is head coach Kjetil Knutsen, who has transformed the club’s identity since he took over in 2017. He has moved away from a counter-attacking strategy to one that is all about total control. Among his most striking rules is a clear guideline: no shots from outside the sixteen-yard box.
Fighter pilot and collective thinking
Everything about Bodø/Glimt is aimed at community and mental strength. Bjørn Mannsverk, a former fighter pilot in the Air Force, leads the mental training with a focus on two main areas: maintaining concentration throughout the match and dealing with the psychological pressure that comes with top-flight football.
Globo Esporte has spoken to Thiago Martins, a former Brazilian player who now works as a striker developer in the club’s youth department. He gives a unique insight into the project.
According to Martins, one of Knutsen’s basic principles is to avoid discussing results at all on a day-to-day basis – not the meadows for victories. This is combined with the strict ban on long shots. The coach has also introduced a uniform 4-3-3 system at all age levels in the club.
“The mentality here is not like in Brazil, where the most important thing is to win the match. Even the players on the bench are passionate about being part of the team. They support each other, they play for the team. These are details that are difficult to explain. It has not happened overnight. It has taken many years. The coach started in 2017, and Bodø/Glimt did not have the money to bring in players,” he explained.
Control over spontaneity
Martins elaborates: “How do you get your opponent to back down? It’s all about controlling the ball. About always having the upper hand in the rooms. It took the players a long time to understand and believe in it. That’s why they don’t shoot from outside. It is forbidden. The game is based on creating numerical superiority in certain areas.” This advantage is gained through in-depth analysis of the opponents.
“We always play 4-3-3, and work so that, for example, left-back, left-winger and left inside runner can combine against two opponents most of the time. And when it becomes three-on-three, Patrick Berg, the central midfielder, comes in to provide support. If the opponent plays with five defenders, the opposite wing moves over. And when we cross, we always create an advantage inside the box,” he explained.
Despite having one of the smallest budgets in the Champions League, Bodø/Glimt have shown patience and credibility to invest fully in Knutsen’s long-term vision. The result is remarkable success for a club from a small town near the Arctic Circle.
Read: Val Kilmer to be recreated with AI for film he was cast in before his death
