Kjetil Knutsen has dismissed Inter Milan’s concerns regarding the artificial pitch at Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra Stadion as the two teams prepare for the crucial second leg of their Champions League play-off tie. Bodo/Glimt, following a remarkable 3-1 victory in the first leg, holds a strong position to advance to the next stage of the prestigious tournament.
With goals from Sondre Brunstad Fet, Jens Petter Hauge, and Kasper Hogh, Bodo/Glimt made history by becoming the first Norwegian team to secure a win in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. This victory not only boosts their morale but also places them on the verge of another milestone: if they win against Inter, they will be the first team from outside Europe’s top five leagues to achieve four consecutive victories in a European Cup/Champions League campaign against teams from those leagues since Ajax in the 1971-72 season, when they won the trophy.
Despite concerns raised by Inter, particularly after captain Lautaro Martinez sustained a calf injury in the first leg, Knutsen urged a focus on football rather than external circumstances. In a pre-match press conference, he stated, “There’s nothing I can do about it. We must only focus on what we can control,” emphasizing that his team is also unfamiliar with the San Siro pitch and stressing the importance of concentrating on their performance.
Bodo/Glimt’s impressive run in this season’s Champions League has brought them into the spotlight, with potential to become the first Norwegian side to advance from a knockout-stage tie since Lillestrom in the late 1980s. Jurgen Klopp, the renowned former Liverpool manager, has praised Bodo’s performances as “crazy,” and Knutsen credits Klopp as one of his coaching inspirations.
Knutsen also remarked on Bodo’s distinct playing style, which is characterized by a clear identity and a commitment to high-intensity training. “It’s a path we’ve chosen to take. The rhythm of the match will always be decisive, and we are inspired by many, including Klopp and Liverpool, whom we look to mirror in many ways,” he stated.
As Bodo/Glimt prepares for the pivotal second leg, their determination and innovative approach could lead them to further historic achievements in the Champions League.