Alongside the coach was Francisco Trincaochosen to represent the lions at the press conference. The player acknowledged that the meeting presents additional challenges, namely the synthetic pitch and the weather, but assured that these factors cannot serve as an excuse. “It can’t be used as an excuse. We came with time to get used to the synthetics and the cold.”
Trincão also praised the opponent’s recent trajectory, but highlighted that the main focus is on the Portuguese team’s performance. “We know they are a great team, very cohesive, that defends well and is strong on the counterattack, often playing with the first touch. But we also have our weapons.”
Before, the Bodo/Glimt coach, Kjetil Knutsen, he also anticipated a demanding game against Sporting. He highlighted the collective quality of the Portuguese team, which he considers one of the top formations in European football.
The Norwegian coach recognized that his team will face an opponent with a very strong offensive identity. According to Knutsen, Sporting is a team that likes to take risks and play in wide spaces, but at the same time, seeks to maintain balance in the different phases of the game. Therefore, he believes that the Lions will also pay attention to the result throughout the match, even when they are in moments of attack.
“We know we’re going to face a top team in Europe. They know us and we know them, so there are no secrets. We need to put on a great performance and be prepared for a physical, high-intensity game”he stated.
Knutsen also recalled the recent triumphs against Portuguese teams, such as FC Porto and SC Braga, but made a point of highlighting that the challenge against Sporting will be different. For the coach, despite these positive results, the Lisbon team has its own characteristics and a very high competitive level.
Another issue addressed was the difference in competitive pace between the two teams. While Sporting has several official games in 2026, Bodo/Glimt is still in the early stages of the season. Knutsen admitted that this reality could have an impact, although he was unsure which side could benefit from this situation, noting that it is normally advantageous to have the season underway.
Regarding the opponent’s individual characteristics, the coach highlighted Colombian Luis Suárez, who he considers a player of great quality and with a strong scoring instinct. “He is intelligent and has the ability to appear in decisive moments, but Sporting has several top-class players. The most important thing is to think about how we will defend and attack against a very strong team”he concluded.
FK Bodø/Glimt’s Champions League journey has become one of the most surprising stories in European football. Coming from a small town in northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle, the club built a historic campaign, eliminating opponents of enormous financial and competitive size.
The journey began in the preliminary stages, where the Norwegian team secured qualification by overcoming Sturm Graz. After an impressive 5–0 victory in the first leg, Bodø/Glimt confirmed their qualification despite losing 2–1 in the second. This first step revealed the team’s offensive capacity and the effectiveness of the game model implemented by the coach, based on intense pressure, quick transitions and constant mobility in attack..
In the league phase of the competition, played in the new format with a single table of 36 clubs, the Norwegian team faced opponents with great European reputation, such as Juventus, Monaco, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham. Despite some adverse results, the team demonstrated competitiveness, including an away draw against Dortmund, which highlighted his ability to discuss games against clubs from more powerful leagues.
The moment that consolidated Bodø/Glimt’s European reputation came in the victory over Manchester City. Shortly afterwards, confirmed the quality of the campaign with a triumph at Atlético de Madrid, a result that mathematically guaranteed presence in the knockout phase of the competition.
In the round of 16, they eliminated Inter Milan. It was the first time that a Norwegian club had won a Champions League tie at this stage of the competition.
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