The press conference before tomorrow’s return settlement is broadcast from 10:30 and can be seen at the top of the case. On Wednesday evening, Glimt can complete a small historic achievement by qualifying for the Champions League. But not everyone in Norway wishes Glimt success in Europe. Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen addressed this at the press conference in Zagreb on Tuesday. – If there are divided opinions about it, I don’t think they understand the significance of Norwegian teams participating in Europe, he says when asked by news. – Those who experience it as a negative thing must think again and understand what it means for Norwegian teams to participate in Europe, said Knutsen – partly with a smile but also with a hint of seriousness. Because it is not just games in Europe beyond the autumn that await the Bodø team. They will probably collect several hundred million kroner in prize money by qualifying. Bodø/Glimt traveled to Croatia yesterday. With them in their luggage, they have a good starting point after 1–0 at home at Aspmyra. Now around 25,000 fans are waiting at Stadion Maksimir in the Croatian capital. The word “witch cauldron” is often used for stadiums with crazy pressure from the stands. Knutsen is nevertheless aware that as a coach and player you often shut out what happens off the field during the match. – We have to play on the experience we have, and the fact that we get the opportunity to play this type of match. There is no reason to be alarmed by the atmosphere, he says to news. – We have experience from playing international matches and have played in stadiums that take more than this. That’s how it is to live and let the players experience. Selvikker Pellegrino But the man who sank Zagreb at home, Amahl Pellegrino, was not happy when the whistle blew after 90 minutes in Bodø. – It is a fantastic evening, but I feel that we are missing the crowning glory. Being 1-0 almost feels like a loss, Pellegrino said. The stadium actually holds around 35,000 spectators, but due to an earthquake in 2020, one of the stands is closed Photo: Marius Guttormsen / news The Eliteserien’s clear top scorer, however, is not intimidated by a possible advantage for the home team. – People said the same thing before Celtic and Roma. We have performed away in Europe in the past. They should not underestimate us, he says to news’s reporter in Zagreb. Happy for support from his own team It is perhaps not so surprising that Amahl Pellegrino brings self-confidence to Zagreb. In the Eliteserien, the 32-year-old has 19 net knowledge so far. In Europe, there have been four goals this year. Although Glimt was eliminated when they met Roma in the quarter-finals of last year’s league, they have also produced strong results away from home in Europe. Glimt and Amahl Pellegrino have delivered strong results in Europe in the past, including against Roma. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news 2–2 away to Roma and 3–1 away to Celtic are perhaps the best examples of just that. Amahl Pellegrino also points out that the few supporters who make the trip to Croatia will be of great help in the decisive match. – All those who travel to our away matches in Europe have been absolutely class. That 70-80 people come here is good for us. We will hear them, says Pellegrino to news. – The coolest thing a footballer can experience Should Glimt manage to draw against Dinamo Zagreb, the biggest football tournament in Europe awaits. Not only will it mean a lot of money on the books, it will also mean great experiences. – I think everyone has realized that. This is a playoff for one of the coolest things you can experience as a footballer, says Pellegrino. – Everyone is looking forward and excited for this match. Kjetil Knutsen had to sit in the stands when Glimt was outplayed by Roma. He doesn’t have to against Dinamo Zagreb. Photo: Skjermdump / V4 But the Eliteserien’s top scorer is also aware that a good performance must be delivered if the outcome is to be a group stage in the Champions League. – Of course, it will be completely different to play away from home than at Aspmyra. We have wonderful settings at home in Norway, but there are more spectators and committed supporters. He concludes: – It will be fun.
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25,000 Croatian fans await Pellegrino and Glimt – news Nordland
