Norwegian National Team's coach Bjarne Berntsen
not only did not allow one of Norway's best players (IMO)
Lise Klaveness play much at this WC,
he went much further in showing how much he despises her
saying she takes too much space in the team
and is not worthy a place in the squad.
He wants "A4 players" in his team (wtf is an A4 player?!).

Norwegian Legend and Norway's top scorer at the WC,
Ragnhild Gulbrandsen, stood up for Lise (well done Ragnhild!!).
Lise is thanking her for it in Verdens Gang.
She says she had to crawl out of Gardemoen (the airport)
- she was so heartbroken. He said those things right after they came back from China
- not in any office, not on the pitch, but at the airport, at 0:30 a.m.

What is it with those coaches these days?? Absolutelly no respect for their players
- whatever form they would be in, I think it's a disgrace to behave like that
and say such things openly. It doesn't do any good to the team,
the player or the coach himself. I think FIFA or at least the FA's should look into it.

A large sheet of paper?

I now understand your avatar - good for you (and her)

What does he mean 'she takes too much room up in the team ' I did wonder why she made some appearances as a sub , I just thought she was injured. Lise always plays well when I've seen her play , which isn't very often.

Any punishment coming to the coach or is he gonna get away with it like they all do.

It's all about her personality. She's a colourful person
and according to the coach she just doesn't fit in.
Utter bs, I am so angry cos it's not that she said something wrong,
it's not that she plays bad, it's just about that he doesn't like her the way she is.


I really doubt - they'll just ignore it as they usually do

At least she's not left alone, the players are behind her,
unlike in a certain team from across the Ocean,
where they prefer to say nothing and agree with the coach
in fear they'll be treated the same way.

What an odd situation

Maybe this is not the whole story, if it is then the coaching staff need to take a look at themselves!

To be fair it is not a rarity : we have it in France men's team where Domenech has more or less sacked Trezeguet from the team when this guys has a phenomenal goalscoring record.

There should be something done about it.
A national team coach should have the national team's interest in mind first.
Not his personal likes and dislikes of players.

I think they all function like that, there is always a player that is controversially left because the manager does not like him, at least in France.

And you are OK with this because it happens in France.

I'm not OK with this.

I'm not even Klaveness' or Solo's biggest fan.
But IMO they do not deserve the way they were both treated by their national coaches.
The more that they are indeed brilliant footballers.

I think the coach should have told Lisa in another way. It look like a very disrepectful way to do so. But as long as as coach justifies his vision and reasons I see no problems. Regarding Hope , it is clear she was made a scapegoat to cover Ryan inadequacy.

His reasons were that she doesn't fit in, is too colorful, takes too much space and is not A4.
Do you understand anything of the above?
And are those reasons to kick out one of Norway's best players out of the squad?

I understand does not fit in it is does happen but I believe it is not true actually.
My guess is he is talking [beep!] or he considers her as a troublemaker for what he is trying to do ?

I don't like the fact that the coaches decision is based on Lise's personality rather than her footballing ability.
So what she's different, doesn't fit the mold - that's a good thing in my opinion, different is good!
Like Lise said she doesn't know how to 'fit-in' as the coach put it, she can only be herself and it's got her pretty damn far so far, she has good chemistry with the other players so I don't see what the problem is.
Coach is prob concerned because she's a strong minded independent woman who speaks her mind (just like Solo) - amazing they suffer because of it insted of being applauded.
The coach should be embracing Lise's differences - can only be good for the team.

12 years on the NT (all levels) and suddenly she doesn't fit in?!
I think it's a personal issue rather than a professional issue, which in itself is wrong.

Well done for Lise for taking control rather than just sitting there waiting and hoping one day half the team gets injured so she'd have to be picked!

Good to see teammates backing her, I'm sure others will have something to say also.

Spot on Smoggie, she is only 26 too, and in good shape.
It's all about Berntsen being childish
and having "She's outta team cos I just don't like her" issues.

She's worked on improving the areas that she could,
her personality is something she's stuck with,
I doubt she's had too many complaints about it either.

UIK don't have any problems with her, she 'fits in' there

There's always personality clashes between coaches/ managers and players.

The excellent Rodney Marsh was limited to one cap under Sir Alf Ramsey because of one joke.

People do not have to get on in order to function in a way that is best for the team.

It's called being a professional.

The coach doesn't have to concern himself with Lise or even talk to her.

Everyone has had to/does worked with people they don't like/get on with,
but you put your personal feelings to one side and get on with the job at hand

These are grown adults not 5 year olds, grow up and get on with it!
Personality clashes should not end this way when we are dealing with adults,
I could understand this outcome if we were talking about kiddies at nursery school

How doesn't she fit in?

"too independent and not A4!"

So stupid!
Lise and Solo could start a new team