NEW JERSEY. “Carlo Ancelotti, we’re coming for you!”
Ståle Solbakken’s dick from the dressing room went viral in the football world, but Brazil’s captain only smiles at the video.
– We are friends, says Carlo Ancelotti.
The day has come when it will be decided whether Norway will advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The neighboring country faces Brazil at MetLife Stadium in sweltering New Jersey.
On Saturday, both national team captains held their press conferences in a huge tent set up outside the arena.
After Norway’s victory against the Ivory Coast in the round of 16, a video was published from the dressing room where Solbakken addressed his players. Segerrusig finished Solbakken by saying “Carlo Ancelotti, we’re coming for you!”.
The clip not only made headlines in Brazil but also around the football world. The Norwegian national team captain has explained several times after the video was published that it was to pay tribute to Ancelotti, but during the press conference the issue came up again.
– As I have said many times now, it was just to praise him because he is one of the best coaches. He is perhaps the greatest with five Champions League titles and titles in different countries. The way he treats opponents, the way he acts in football is something that everyone can look up to, says Solbakken.
Ancelotti’s answer
When it came time for Ancelotti to answer how he interpreted the video and the statement, the national team captain smiled.
– We are friends, it was only said in a joking tone. We have met several times, says Ancelotti.
In addition to the question of the video, large parts of the press conference were about how Brazil will stop Erling Braut Haaland. There, too, the national team captain was concise and convincing in his answers.
– Everyone knows how Haaland plays and how skilled he is. I don’t need to tell my team that, says Ancelotti.
“We can beat Brazil”
For Norway, this is historically one of the absolute biggest, if not the biggest, football match in the country’s history.
– We can beat Brazil if we are in 100% form, otherwise we have no chance. Brazil is still the favourite, but I don’t think they are the big favorites like in previous years. But yes, it would be a surprise if Norway won, says Solbakken.
The Norwegian came with positive news about Julian Ryerson, but also said that there are a few “coughs and hoarseness” in the squad. However, all players completed the team’s last training before the big game against Brazil.
Brazil-Norway is played at 22.00 Swedish time.
The national team
