Stuniverse Posted July 4 Author Share Posted July 4 (edited) Friday 28th October 2033 Røberg gets Bad-Cop treatment -- This is the third week running that Kurt Røberg has been on the U19s poor training list, each time he'd put in a 5.something training performance. As I do with all players who train below 6.0, I had a word with him. The first week I criticised him and he didn't take it well. Last week, I took it further and he got angry. I don't get it, Kurt Røberg is 16 years-old, just say, "Yes, gaffer, I'll train harder next week". It isn't difficult. Spoiler -- So fast forward to this week, the third week, and I again criticised his training performance. Sorry, Kurt Røberg but this is my 11th season as a football manager and I've never had a player show such disrespect and have so much attitude over training. This is your third strike, you're OUT! -- Edited July 4 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 4 Author Share Posted July 4 Saturday 29th October 2033 Eliteserien -- Preview -- Result Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 4 Author Share Posted July 4 Saturday 29th October 2033 400-Up for Stuniverse -- -- -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 4 Author Share Posted July 4 1 hour ago, Punch said: Nothing wrong with having two quality keepers pushing each other I guess. No... but the problem is keeping them both happy. -- Jasper Torkildsen -- Hans Jørgen Solberg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Preview - Brann (away) Eliteserien Best i vest derby -- -- -- Henrik Skogvold is our top goal scorer so yes, I guess, he's one of our players Brann need to try and stop. But Henrik's not the only one. We have a lot of danger men in our squad. I'm expecting a very competitive Best i vest derby as always. There's no doubt Ivaylo Petev has made a big difference to Brann since he took over as they looked like they were heading for possible relegation under Emre Belözoğlu this season. Brann are on a good run of seven Eliteserien matches without defeat but they've drawn three of their last four and, before that, Brann lost six on the spin in all competitions. This will be the first time we've faced Ivaylo Petev's Brann. It won't be easy in Brann Stadion but we intend to win this Best i vest derby for our de mørkeblå supporters who have been excellent this season and stuck with us through thick and thin. Jasper Torkildsen (hamstring) is back in full training now but Miroslav Marchev (ankle) is still working with our medical team. And Joakim Berg Nundal is fully fit after recovering from a twisted ankle. -- Expected Line-up Ove Benjamin Modell picked up a yellow card last time out against Odd and is suspended. Jesper Robertsen, Costel Tilincă and Mathias Fjørtoft Løvik are all one yellow card away from a suspension. Edited July 5 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Sunday 30th October 2033 Brann (9th) v Viking (5th) Eliteserien Best i vest derby -- -- -- Spoiler I can't argue with that assessment, Mamady Diambou was the best player on the pitch today. We're very disappointed to have lost the Best i vest derby, of course we are. It's not been the best of seasons by our high standards and we wanted to give our supporters something to cheer by beating Brann today, but it wasn't to be. In some defeats this season, we haven't had our shooting boots on but, today, I thought we did. We created more chances than Brann, we tested the goalkeeper more times than Brann tested Hans Jørgen Solberg, and when we did threaten Brann's goal, which we did quite a bit, Robin Amundsen (7.7) stood up and was counted - he made two fantastic one-on-one saves with his legs, the first from Lasse Nordås when he was clean through in the first half and the second late on when Edvin Austbø had dribbled through the Brann defence and only had the goalkeeper to beat.. Spoiler Brann were more clinical than us today and they scored their two goals at good times. The first in the second minute from their first attack of the game - a fabulous strike from Faniel Tewelde that no goalkeeper in the world saves and the second from Mamady Diambou five minutes before half-time. And they could have had three. From a free-kick out wide on their right, Brann hit the post with a far post header in the 75th minute. But fundamentally, I think Brann just defended better than we did. I lost count of how many shots we had blocked or charged down and Robin Amundsen made a handful of superb saves to deny us. I think, because of Brann's early goal, Ivaylo Petev's game plan worked and ours didn't today and we had to change things. Maybe we should've stuck with the 4231 longer but, at 0-2 down on 40 minutes, I felt we needed to change our shape and go with an Attacking mentality. On 52 minutes we made some substitutions and went with a more creative and attack-minded midfield two pushed further forward. But it wasn't to be. Once Brann had an early one-goal lead to protect, and then a two-goal lead they were outstanding defensively, cheered on by their noisy fans in the Brann Stadion, and we couldn't break them down. And they continued to provide a threat on our goal. -- -- Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Tuesday 1st November 2033 Transfer Story Leaked -- Spoiler -- After Mamady Diambou's Player-of-the-Match performance against us for Brann, we asked Mamady's agent about his availability and, when we got a positive response from the agent, we made an official enquiry. Brann wanted £8 million for Mamady, which was at the top end of the agent's expectation, so we negotiated with a counter-offer. -- -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Tuesday 1st November 2033 Episode 141 - 5th With Three to Play "Viking First Team Squad" -- News -- -- -- Appearances -- Reports -- Players Out on Loan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Tuesday 1st November 2033 Episode 141 - 5th With Three to Play "Berg Johnsen Pens New Viking Contract" -- - This is an interesting one given that I didn't play Lasse Berg Johnsen that much last season and, for the second-half of last season and this pre-season, he wanted to go out on loan. We arranged a loan move for him to IFK Göteborg and, honestly, at the time I thought we'd be releasing him when his contract expires at the end of the season but... ... we switched to 4231 and then tweaked it so that the midfield two were Ball Winning Midfielders or Defensive Midfielders and Lasse Berg Johnsen can provide cover and experience in both those roles, plus... ... Lasse Berg Johnsen is Homegrown at Club (HGC) and I'm not convinced, yet, that I'll have enough young HGC players who are good enough for next season's squad registration, and... ... much to my surprise, when I spoke to his agent, Lasse Berg Johnsen wants to stay because he loves Viking Fotballklubb, is happy to sign for £1.7k per week and is happy to be a Fringe Player. So, very much as a contingency plan, I've renewed Lasse Berg Johnsen's contract. Spoiler Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Tuesday 1st November 2033 Episode 141 - 5th With Three to Play "Monthly Review" -- Results -- Board Confidence -- Supporter Confidence -- Finances -- Dynamics 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Tuesday 1st November 2033 Until Next Time... ... when we play two more UEFA Europa League League Path matches, and... ... conclude our Eliteserien campaign with our final three matches. -- November's Fixtures -- Can I manage Viking to a top four finish? And will I keep my job if we don't? -- Thoughts, comments, general feedback appreciated. Any questions, just ask and I'll answer them if I can. Thank you for reading and following... and I greatly appreciate the comments as that's what genuinely keeps me motivated to continue updating about this save. Until next time... Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Thursday 3rd November 2033 International Call-ups -- -- 18 Viking players called up in total, nine from our First Team Squad. Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Preview - RC Lens (away) UEFA Europa League League Path -- -- We haven't played Lens before so have absolutely no idea what to expect. Of course, we're away so it won't be easy going to France to play Lens, currently 13th in Ligue 1, in Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Edvin Austbø had a tight thigh in training this week so he'll be on the bench and hopefully we won't need to risk him. I might have rotated the gloves today but, with Jasper Torkildsen still recovering from a hamstring injury, Hans Jørgen Solberg keeps them. We're delighted to have Miroslav Marchev (ankle) back in training. Miroslav is on the bench but tonight's game will be too soon for him. I know Lasse Nordås hasn't been back long, after missing five weeks with sprained knee ligaments, but I've had a word with him about his recent sub-par performances. -- Expected Line-up Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Thursday 3rd November 2033 RC Lens (France) v Viking (Norway) UEFA Europa League League Path -- -- -- We're disappointed to have narrowly lost this one to Lens, as we felt we shaded it, well... up until the 74th minute when Henrik Skogvold fractured his arm after we'd already used all our subs. I'm gutted for Henrik as it looks like his season's over and will also miss Cupen final. In the first half neither goalkeeper was tested; Lens had two attempts, we had one. After the break, we started the second half brightly and took the game to Lens. We had the very first shot on target when Anders Hartveit Ryste stung the hands of the Lens' goalkeeper on 49 minutes. On the hour mark, we made some substitutions to freshen up the attack. Unfortunately, two minutes later Lens scored. From a near post corner, Lens headed the ball against the bar and were quickest to react to the rebound and stab the ball home to break the deadlock. So on 72 minutes we made some changes to our shape and went Attacking to get back into the game. But just two minutes later, we were a player short as Henrik Skogvold had to go off injured and we'd used all our subs. We nearly equalised late on when Hugo Vetlesen curled a free-kick onto the roof of the net. -- Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Saturday 5th November 2033 Youth Intake Update -- Well this is disappointing news... -- So much for Exceptional youth recruitment Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Saturday 5th November 2033 Viking 2nd Team Crowned Champions (Tier 3) -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Saturday 5th November 2033 Eliteserien -- Preview -- Result Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Preview - Sandnes Ulf (away) Eliteserien -- -- We didn't play badly against Lens but we were all a bit down after the injury to Henrik Skogvold. There's some tired legs after our travels to France so we may have to rotate and rest a few players. Sandnes Ulf are only two points above the relegation playoff place so I'm sure Thomas Holm will have them fired up for their visit to the SR-Bank Arena. Spoiler I have a lot of time for Per Joar Hægstad Johnsen, but we couldn't find room to register him this season so we loaned him out to Sandnes Ulf where he's been doing very well. We'll welcome him back here in pre-season, assess him, and decide where we're at with Per Joar Hægstad Johnsen. Henrik Skogvold is our top goal scorer with 23 in all competitions and his six Player of the Match awards are the most on our team. We're all gutted for him and hope his fractured arm heals quickly. If we win all our remaining three matches, the maximum number of points we can get is 56. Rosenborg need one more win for 57 so, yes, I think you can safely say we need a miracle. But we do want to finish higher than our current 5th place so we'll be doing everything we can to try and win our last three matches and finish on a high. Today's game against Sandnes Ulf is our last home match of the season so we're desperate to get a win in our SR-Bank Arena to thank our wonderful supporters for sticking with us this season. I've had a word with Anders Hartveit Ryste about his recent form which hasn't been good enough. With Henrik Skogvold out for the season, we've registered 19 year-old Brede Norbye but I doubt he'll be in the matchday squad today. Spoiler -- Expected Line-up We have a few tired legs so we've rotated today - hence the changed look to our midfield two. Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Sunday 6th November 2033 Eliteserien Results -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Sunday 6th November 2033 Viking (5th) v Sandnes Ulf (12th) Eliteserien -- -- -- -- I have no interest in selling Mathias Fjørtoft Løvik. I'm delighted with the win over Sandnes Ulf today. It may have only been 1-0, but we deserved it and it keeps the pressure on Molde and Sogndal above us. Realistically, although we want to win both our remaining games, I think third is the highest we can finish now but that would rely on us doing our bit and Molde and Sogndal slipping up. Stats wise it was a comfortable win but it never felt like we could relax out there, even though Sandnes Ulf rarely threatened our goal. Our bad luck with injuries continued in the third minute when we lost Joakim Berg Nundal. We replaced Joakim Berg Nundal with Edvin Austbø. On 39 minutes, Hugo Vetlesen was booked so we asked him to Ease Off Tackles and changed his role to DLP-Su. Three minutes later, Lasse Nordås scored the only goal of the game, blasting the ball into the roof of the net from about eight yards out. For the most part, we controlled the second half but Sandnes Ulf put us under pressure in the last 20 minutes, without creating too much. We had a scare on 85 minutes when Sandnes Ulf had a goal ruled out for offside. It was tight call but, to our relief, VAR overruled the on-field officials. I don't like doing it, but I then made some changes to help us see the game out. Sandnes Ulf only caused us one more scare and our goalkeeper Hans Jørgen Solberg preserved our one-goal lead with a stunning save. There's an International Break now so we'll give the players a week off, unless they're away representing their Nations, and then reconvene to prepare for our penultimate Eliteserien match away to Haugesund. -- Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warlock Posted July 5 Share Posted July 5 One last push! Third place definitely achievable 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 15 minutes ago, warlock said: One last push! Third place definitely achievable I agree, @warlock ... and (brucie bonus) Sogndal host Molde on the last day of the season. As long as we don't bottle it like we did at home to Haugesund earlier in the season. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Saturday 12th November 2033 Norway (3rd) v Poland (1st) FIFA WORLD CUP UEFA Qualifying Group A -- -- Norway manager Kjetil Knutsen selected Tottenham Hotspur's Kristoffer Klaesson ahead of Viking's two goalkeepers. Spoiler -- -- -- Viking had four players on international duty with Norway but I didn't get to see any of them play as all four were unused substitutes against Poland. Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Tuesday 15th November 2033 Finland (4th) v Norway (3rd) FIFA WORLD CUP UEFA Qualifying Group A -- -- After losing the Norway gloves to Tottenham Hotspur's Kristoffer Klaesson for the Poland game, Norway manager Kjetil Knutsen returned them to Viking's Hans Jørgen Solberg for the Finland game. Viking's Aleksander Liland also started as the right-sided centre-back. -- -- -- -- Viking's Hans Jørgen Solberg (5th cap) and Aleksander Liland (22nd cap) played the full match for Norway. Jasper Torkildsen and Tinius Sundell were unused substitutes. Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Wednesday 16th November 2033 Norway Press Conference -- International Retirements -- New Norway Captain Spoiler -- With PSG's goalkeeper Kim Christian Høyenhall (dislocated shoulder) being named Norway captain, that doesn't bode well for Viking's two Norwegian international goalkeepers Hans Jørgen Solberg and Jasper Torkildsen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Saturday 19th November 2033 International Round-up -- Call-ups -- Appearances Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Preview - Haugesund (away) Eliteserien Viking-Haugesund derby -- -- -- -- We were disappointing in the Viking-Haugesund derby in our SR-Bank Arena earlier in the season. We completely dominated the match yet somehow we lost 1-2 to Haugesund, in no little part due to the brilliance of Haugesund goalkeeper Lucas Lund on the day. I'm sure Morten Rossland is handling the pressure just fine although Haugesund badly need the points as they currently occupy the relegation playoff spot (14th) and are a mere one point off safety. We had seven first team players away with their Nations. Fortunately, they all reported back fit and healthy. We won't be taking any unnecessary risks with Rafael Mota (knee) or Joakim Berg Nundal (knee). Niklas Ødegård (ankle) is back in training but won't feature today. Henrik Skogvold (fractured arm) is unlikely to play again this season. Steinar Braathen is on loan with Haugesund but misses out today due to suspension. Spoiler -- Expected Line-up Tinius Sundell is suspended and we have three players who are one yellow card away from a suspension. For the run-in, rightly or wrongly, I've decided to give the gloves back to our captain Jasper Torkildsen. Edited July 5 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) Sunday 20th November 2033 Haugesund (14th) v Viking (5th) Eliteserien -- -- -- -- I want to back our officials, I really do because they do a very difficult job, but it's hard after decisions like that. Only 10 minutes in, the ball's played through to Ivan Cogic who is clearly offside, his shot goes in off the underside of the bar, the assistant referee raised his flag immediately and the referee disallowed the goal, correctly in my opinion, only for VAR to overrule them and allow the goal. What turned out to be the only goal of the game.. With one game to go, we'll need a lot of luck to finish any higher than 5th now. Yes. Next question. Spoiler I don't know what to say really. Lucas Lund was Player of the Match when Haugesund beat us 2-1 at our SR-Bank Arena earlier this season and not only is he Player of the Match against us today, he's also the Eliteserien Player of the Week I understand. Once again we had more possession than Haugesund, created plenty of chances, but couldn't score past Lucas Lund. At half time I made three substitutions, changed our shape, and switched to an Attacking mentality. On 56 minutes we tried hitting early crosses. On 69 minutes we went to an Attacking 442 shape. But Lucas Lund was too good. AGAIN! I was very angry after the match. -- Edited July 5 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 (edited) 3 hours ago, warlock said: One last push! Third place definitely achievable @warlock Edited July 5 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 Monday 21st November 2033 Viking Supporters Losing Faith in Stuniverse -- -- -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warlock Posted July 5 Share Posted July 5 Not what we want . Especially as Molde and Sogndal seem to be holding the door open for you. Onwards and - particularly - upwards 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 5 Author Share Posted July 5 24 minutes ago, warlock said: Not what we want . No, not what we want at all @warlock 24 minutes ago, warlock said: Especially as Molde and Sogndal seem to be holding the door open for you. I know… it’s been a very strange season… not just for us but for most of the so-called BIG teams… and we haven’t been able to take advantage of it. 26 minutes ago, warlock said: Onwards and - particularly - upwards I hope so, but… … I wouldn’t be surprised if I get sacked at the end of the season (even though the Board say my job is Stable). If they do fire me, I hope they at least wait until after Cupen Final. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Tuesday 22nd November 2033 Berg Resigns as Strømsgodset Manager -- -- -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Thursday 24th November 2033 Viking Agree January Signing -- Spoiler Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 (edited) Thursday 24th November 2033 Stuniverse Out! Stuniverse OUT! STUNIVERSE OUT! -- Edited July 6 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Preview - Sporting Clube de Portugal (home) UEFA Europa League League Path -- -- We've started the UEFA Europa League League Path very well with three wins from four so far but we know Sporting Clube de Portugal are, arguably, going to be our most difficult opponent so far, even though they are currently two points behind us in the League Path. What doesn't help, is that we're away to Stabæk in our last Eliteserien match of the season on Saturday which gives us very little recovery time between this Sporting Clube de Portugal match and the Stabæk game. Henrik Skogvold (fractured arm) is definitely out Niklas Ødegård (ankle) can probably only give us 45 minutes. Krzysztof Krysiak bruised his ankle in training but should be ok. Everybody else is good to go, although Costel Tilincă is looking a bit fatigued. -- Expected Line-up I'm going with a much changed team today as, and I don't normally do this but needs must, I've picked today's team with the intention of resting our key players for Saturday's Eliteserien match against Stabæk. I have trust in the players selected today but I hope the supporters will understand the reasons behind tonight's team selection. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Thursday 24th November 2033 Viking (Norway) v Sporting Clube de Portugal (Portugal) UEFA Europa League League Path -- -- -- With what was very much, I admit, a makeshift team, unfortunately, we could only hold out for four minutes. As soon as the ball hit the back of the net, the assistant referee raised his flag and the referee disallowed it. But, BUT... VAR reviewed it and overruled the on-field officials. We were a goal down. But we were competing with Sporting Clube de Portugal and didn't look overawed. Hugo Vetlesen equalised with a 21st minute free-kick from 30-yards that flew past the Sporting goalkeeper Luís Maximiano. Only a few minutes later, Otto Rosengren thundered a shot from 20-yards that bounced back off the post. Øyvind Bjørkeng went very close, hitting the side netting on 39 minutes from just outside the penalty area, We replaced Niklas Ødegård at half-time because our medical team advised we should only give him 45 minutes. We also had two players on yellow cards so we sent on three substitutes during the break. The second-half was more cagey but I felt we shaded it and, in the closing 20 minutes, we looked the most likely to score a winner. Substitute Edvin Austbø forced Luís Maximiano into making two good saves. Rafael Mota headed an 80th minute corner towards the near post, it beat the goalkeeper, but was headed off the line. Sporting Clube de Portugal had a 90+1 minute goal ruled out for offside which, to be fair, the on-field officials disallowed straight away and... this time... VAR agreed with the referee and his assistant. I would've taken a point before the game so I'm delighted with the draw. I'm so proud of these players, most of them out there tonight probably haven't played as much football as they would've liked this season, but I believe in every single one of them. Youngsters Øyvind Bjørkeng and Brede Norbye got valuable Europa League playing experience which will help their development. I love this group of players, I love working with them. I'm so proud of them. -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Friday 25th November 2033 Team Meeting -- -- -- - - -- 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 (edited) Preview - Stabæk (home) Eliteserien -- -- -- I thought Edvin Austbø looked very lively when he came on second half against Sporting and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet as Luís Maximiano made two great saves to deny him. I've had a chat with Edvin Austbø and I expect him to stand up and be counted against Stabæk today. It's not a dead rubber to us. The Board expectation was for a Top Four finish and we can still achieve that, with a bit of luck, if we beat Stabæk today and the Sogndal-Molde result goes our way. We know the lowest we can finish is 5th, but we still want to finish 4th if we can and, with the two teams directly above us playing each other then we have a great chance if we can get three points away in the Nadderud Stadion today. If we win, and Sogndal don't win, then we'll leap-frog Sogndal and finish 4th. If Molde lose, and we win, then we'll be level on points with Molde who have a slightly better goal difference than us, +21 to our +17. With Sogndal hosting Molde, I can't see a permutation that allows us to climb to 3rd so it's a 4th or 5th placed finish for us dependent on how today's matches go. Stabæk have already been relegated but new manager Jonas Brudvik and his Stabæk team will want to go out on a high in front of their own supporters in the Nadderud Stadion. We beat Stabæk 3-0 in our SR-Bank Arena back in July and we're determined to finish our Eliteserien campaign with a win. Henrik Skogvold (fractured arm) is definitely ruled out. Everybody else is good to go apart from Niklas Ødegård (ankle) who played 45 minutes against Sporting and could probably give us another 45 minutes today should we need him. I also had a word with Anders Hartveit Ryste about his goal drought and told him I believe him and he'll start scoring goals again soon if he continues to work hard. -- Expected Line-up We'll be without Mathias Fjørtoft Løvik and Costel Tilincă today as they are both suspended. Edited July 6 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 (edited) Saturday 26th November 2033 Stabæk (16th) v Viking (5th) Eliteserien -- -- -- Julian Gonstad had scored two cup goals for us but he's had to wait all season for his first league goal for Viking and what a time for him to score it. I wouldn't say we struggled, as such, because we were playing well, creating lots of chances, and really making Stabæk's goalkeeper Ivan Krajcirik work hard to keep us out. Stabæk only had two efforts on target all game and, heartbreakingly, they only grabbed a 1-0 84th minute lead because we gave the ball away in their half when we were attacking. It did feel like our season was going to end in a way that would summarise our season - played well, controlled the game, but couldn't score. But the players were magnificent, none of them gave up, and late goals by substitutes Julian Gonstad and Joakim Berg Nundal salvaged a 2-1 win for us. No. I'm not sure I can. This game was the apotheosis of a roller-coaster of emotions and we just went berserk in the technical area when Joakim Berg Nundal won the game for us in the 95th minute. To be honest, we played the game on the front foot, penned Stabæk back for, probably... what?... 85 of the 90+5 minutes. Lasse Nordås headed Jesper Robertsen's fifth minute cross against the foot of the post. Incredibly, Lasse Nordås hit the same post again in the 18th minute. By now, our fans were chanting, "Sogndal are losing!" which, if Sogndal were to lose, a draw would see us finish 4th but, with 70+ minutes left to play, that knowledge was more of a distraction than a help if I'm being totally honest. We were all over Stabæk but their goalkeeper Ivan Krajcirik made some fine saves. Aleksander Liland curled a 39th minute free-kick narrowly over the bar and onto the roof of the net. At half-time it had been all us, but we had nothing to show for it. Otto Rosengren was having a great game but he was also out-on-his-feet so we replaced him with Hugo Vetlesen during the break. Otherwise, I saw no need to change anything. On 57 minutes, Anders Hartveit Ryste was put through with just the goalkeeper to beat, but he'd moved too early and the offside flag went up. Anders Hartveit wasn't having the best of games so I swapped him and Edvin Austbø around. Ivan Krajcirik made a great save to keep out Hugo Vetlesen's 59th minute free-kick. A minute later, Tinius Sundell hit a powerful shot from all of 25-yards which Ivan Krajcirik tipped over the bar. From the resulting corner, Aleksander Liland headed the ball over the bar at the far post. On 62 minutes I replaced Anders Hartveit Ryste with Niklas Ødegård. Niklas Ødegård saw his 71st minute shot well saved by Ivan Krajcirik. On 72 minutes, another substitution. Substitute Joakim Berg Nundal hit a 20-yarder just over the bar on 76 minutes. Stabæk's right-back nearly turned a low, 81st minute cross from Joakim Berg Nundal into his own net. From the corner, Ivan Krajcirik saved Niklas Ødegård's far post header. Tinius Sundell's 83rd minute shot was blocked out for a corner. On 84 minutes, Joakim Berg Nundal gave the ball away midway inside Stabæk's half, they played a long ball over the top to Simon Sjöholm, who looked a mile offside to us, and he ran in with only Jasper Torkildsen to beat and scored to break the deadlock. VAR reviewed it and, to our utter disbelief, allowed the goal. We had to gamble then... we had nothing to lose... so we did. Joakim Berg Nundal hit an 86th minute shot straight at Ivan Krajcirik from 10-yards out. A yard either side of the goalkeeper and he would have equalised. On 86 minutes we gambled even more and went really gung-ho. We started to rush things then, and make mistakes, and gave the ball away. A lot. But then Ove Benjamin Modell brilliantly intercepted the ball on the halfway line, passed the ball forward to Hugo Vetlesen, who took the ball even further forward, gave it to Julian Gonstad, who turned, beat a couple of defenders, ran into the penalty area and, from a tight angle, hit the ball across Ivan Krajcirik and into the far corner of the net. Sogndal were still 0-1 down at home to Molde and, if Sogndal lost, a draw would see us go above them so we reigned things back a bit. And then, on 90+5 minutes, another substitute Tor Helge Vatten crossed to the far post where Joakim Berg Nundel rose highest to head the ball beyond the reach of Ivan Krajcirik for 2-1. We really did have our substitutes to thank today. They were magnificent. Wow! I'm exhausted. Yeah, we started the season slowly, very stop-start, and at one stage we'd dropped as low as 13th, albeit with a game-in-hand. So, we'll have to look at what happened, why it happened, and how we can make sure it doesn't happen again. But yes, you're right, our strong form in June is when things really started to turn-around and improve for us. Are my Board disappointed? They haven't told me they're disappointed although I haven't had chance to speak to chairperson Kjell Fjæreide or any of the Board since the final whistle. I know we hoped to challenge for the Eliteserien Title, which sadly didn't happen, but from early pre-season the Board's expectation was a top four finish and we've achieved that. We'll give the players a few days off and then we'll prepare ourselves for Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen) Final against Lillestrøm. We still have an opportunity to finish the season on a high and win a trophy. -- Edited July 6 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Sunday 27th November 2033 Update from the Viking Board -- -- -- -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Tuesday 29th November 2033 Åsane Sack Jakobsen -- -- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Thursday 1st December 2033 Episode 142 - Viking Finish 4th "Viking First Team Squad" -- Appearances -- Reports -- Players out on Loan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Thursday 1st December 2033 Episode 142 - Viking Finish 4th "Monthly Review" -- Results -- Board Confidence -- Supporter Confidence -- Finances -- Dynamics Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 (edited) Thursday 1st December 2033 Until Next Time... ... when we play Lillestrøm in Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen) Final, and... ... play Lazio in the UEFA Europa League League path, and... ... I discover if I still have a job managing Viking. -- December's Fixtures -- Thoughts, comments, general feedback appreciated. Any questions, just ask and I'll answer them if I can. Thank you for reading and following... and I greatly appreciate the comments as that's what genuinely keeps me motivated to continue updating about this save. Until next time... Edited July 6 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Saturday 3rd December 2033 Team Meeting -- -- - -- 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Saturday 3rd December 2033 Eliteserien / OBOS-ligaen Playoff Final -- Eliteserien OBOS-ligaen -- -- -- -- Per Joar Hægstad Johnsen, who we loaned to Sandnes Ulf for the season, started as the left-sided centre-back, played the full match, and gave a very good account of himself. I look forward to welcoming him back to pre-season training in January. Spoiler Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 (edited) Preview - Lillestrøm (neutral) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen) Final -- Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo -- This group of players have worked incredibly hard this season. I know our Eliteserien campaign has been disappointing but I have complete confidence in this squad and look forward to continuing to work with these players next season when, I honestly believe, they will show everybody exactly how good they really are. But today is Cupen Final day and I'd be so proud of these players if they could win the Final. I'm proud of them any way but I just think after everything they've been through this season, they deserve it. We've beaten six teams to get here, including Vålerenga and Bodø/Glimt, and all six were difficult ties in different ways. Henrik Skogvold is our top goalscorer by far this season, with 23 in all competitions, so yes, of course he's a big miss. I'm not sure, all the substitutes who came on, and impressed, against Stabæk last time out have given me a lot to ponder over. We've really put our de mørkeblå supporters through it this season and, despite the odd murmurs of discontent, they've stuck with us through thick and thin. We also owe them, I think, as this will be the fourth Cupen Final during my time here at Viking and we've only won it once in 2028 when we beat Bodø/Glimt. It would be nice to put the 2029 penalties defeat to Fredrikstad and last season's loss in extra-time to Molde behind us. We had some good news yesterday when our medical staff informed me that Henrik Skogvold (fractured arm) had passed a fitness test and was good to play. Aleksander Liland looked jaded after the Stabæk game but that was eight days ago, and we gave the players four days off, so Aleksander Liland will start. -- Expected Line-up After their outstanding performances as substitutes against Stabæk, Joakim Berg Nundal and Julian Gonstad have earnt the right to start the Cupen Final against Lillestrøm. At times, I've felt the midfield two were a little bit too deep so, and I know I probably shouldn't experiment in a Cupen Final, but I'm asking the midfield two to play slightly further up the pitch today. Edited July 6 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 Sunday 4th December 2033 Lillestrøm (11th-Eliteserien) v Viking (4th-Eliteserien) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen) Final -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted July 6 Author Share Posted July 6 (edited) Sunday 4th December 2033 Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen) Final Post-Match Press Conference -- I'm Norwegian, I was born in Skien, I grew up an Odds Ballklub fan, and I've been watching Norgesmesterskapet i fotball (Cupen) Final ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I love Cupen and don't think there's a better domestic football competition anywhere. Winning it in 2028 with Viking was amazing but winning Cupen this season surpasses that and then some, partly because we lost the Final in 2029 and last season, but mainly because of the up-and-down season we've had. This one's for the awesome de mørkeblå supporters. We disappointed them in Eliteserien this season but, hopefully, we've given them a Cupen Campaign to be proud of. I hope they enjoy celebrating this success. Lillestrøm out-played us in the first half, I must admit, they didn't trouble Jasper Torkildsen in our goal too often, but they were dominating possession, controlling the game, and it was difficult for us to get a foothold in the game. Oskar Siira Sivertsen gave Lillestrøm the lead nine minutes before half-time and it was probably no more than Lillestrøm deserved. I'd pushed our midfield two slightly further forward today but, just before the half hour mark, I pushed them back again because Lillestrøm were doing a job on us. A goal down at half-time, I made two substitutions and changed to an Attacking mentality. We were better, but we weren't troubling Lillestrøm enough for my liking. On 62 minutes, I changed our shape. We looked much better after the change of shape. On 66 minutes, Lasse Nordås was tripped in the penalty area. Up stepped Niklas Ødegård, usually dependable from the spot, but he hit his penalty straight down the middle and Lillestrøm 's goalkeeper Mads Christiansen stood on the spot and caught it at throat height. Mads Christiansen then made a good save from Henrik Skogvold. Hugo Vetlesen hit a free-kick that flew just over the bar. On 80 minutes I made my last substitutions and sent Lasse Nordås up front as a striker, rather than out on the left as a wide target man. What happened then was unbelievable. 87 minutes, Edvin Austbø did well on the left wing, sent the ball low into the penalty area, Lasse Nordås received the ball with his back to goal, he took a touch, moved the ball to his left and turned, completely losing two defenders, and then blasted the ball into the roof of the net to level Cupen Final at 1-1. Then on 90 minutes, Costel Tilincă aimed a cross from the left towards the penalty spot, Pontus Dahbo did brilliantly to win a header, beating Lillestrøm 's goalkeeper Mads Christiansen to the ball, the ball looped up in the air, and Lasse Nordås was there to head the ball into the back of the net off the inside of the post. An incredible two goals in three minutes from Lasse Nordås and from 0-1 down, we were 2-1 up. Going into five minutes of added-on time we made changes... ... and saw Cupen Final out for an incredible victory. To be fair, ever since I got here, Edvin Austbø has been telling me he's a winger but, in the 442 diamond system we used for five and a bit seasons, we didn't use wingers. Now, as a winger in our 4231 system, Edvin Austbø has been brilliant. We were hoping for an Eliteserien and Cupen double this season. Eliteserien was disappointing and we finished 4th. But in Cupen we have been excellent. We've beaten Vålerenga, Bodø/Glimt and Lillestrøm, amongst others, so I think we deserve it. We look to challenge for Eliteserien and Cupen every season and compete in Europe. This season didn't quite go according to plan in Eliteserien but, hopefully, that's nothing more than a blip and we'll be back next season stronger than ever. I love Viking Fotballklubb. I love working here with this group of players. I'm so proud of these players, they work so hard in training and they want to do well on the pitch. I have every confidence in them that they will be challenging for the Eliteserien title again next season. Edited July 6 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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