– I think I have had my best year. I have also been able to train a lot with the A team and I am taking the level better and better. That’s what Oscar Bobb says to news after what was once again a fantastic season for Manchester City’s reserve team. Bobb played 25 matches in Premier League 2 this season and recorded an impressive 17 goalscoring passes and six goals. After the brilliant season, he was recently recognized with the award as player of the year in the City academy – and for the second year in a row. – It’s very pleasant, the team did very well, and I thought that anyone could get that award. But it was very pleasant that I got him, says Bobb to news. Oscar Bobb has delivered two brilliant seasons for the City academy. Photo: IMAGO Smerud: – Having been around that league, City has shown great faith in the Norwegian youngster and last year gave him a long-term contract until the summer of 2026. He also got to be part of the City squad that went to the USA for a training camp before the season. But the official debut in the A team of the Meisterliga winner was temporarily delayed. Now the former Lyn, Porto and Vålerenga player is meeting with the Norwegian U21 national team that will play the EC in Romania, the first U21 championship Norway has qualified for in ten years. U21 national team coach Leif Gunnar Smerud is excited about what Bobb will do to continue his development, but at the same time comes with clear advice: – He has been around the league he plays in now and was one of the absolute best players there for two years . Then it’s time for something new, and I think he thinks so too. Then we’ll see what happens, says Smerud to news. Oscar Bobb is one of the most exciting players with a Norwegian passport. Now he will play in the EC for Norway. Photo: BILDBYRÅN Wants to stay in City – not take out a loan But for the time being, it is not relevant to take out any loans. Bobb says that he has rather decided to roll up his sleeves and give it a real try in the City. – I’m “pushing” to get opportunities there now, and as long as there’s a possibility that it can work, that’s all I’m thinking about, says Bobb. – Smerud says “you’ve completed that league” and that it’s time for something new. What do you think yourself? – I’ve had two good years, but we’ll see what happens. Yes, something new, but preferably within the club I’m in now, he replies. – You would rather stay at City and fight for playing time in the A team than go on loan? – Right now I want to say yes, he replies. To put it in perspective: He is fighting for a place on the team which is currently the best in the world and recently celebrated a historic triple triumph with victories in both the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Meisterliga. – It is obviously difficult. If it doesn’t work, many other things can happen, he says. – Have you received any signal about playing time next season? – I don’t know, it’s difficult to read the signals you get, but as long as I’m not told that it won’t happen, I just have to have faith that it can happen, replies the 19-year-old, who turns 20 on the 12th. July. Surprised by Haaland Although A-matches for City were initially easy to expect, he has had to try a lot in training under Pep Guardiola’s management of the A-team. Sometimes he gets to take part in a full training week with the stars on the A team, sometimes it’s more of a push and pull. His best memory from training with the world stars is the times he has been on the winning team during mini-tournaments in training. When asked by news about what he has learned from training with the best team in the world, he unprompted brings up another Norwegian who is useful for playing football. – I have learned that it is so intense, it is always 100 per cent. And you have, for example, Erling (Braut Haaland), who for me is the best in the world. Anyway, even if he has scored a hat trick, he is the one who trains the hardest. It really is something to look forward to, says Bobb. – Does it surprise you that he is so serious even though he achieves great success? – Yes, you can say that, but at the same time this is one of the reasons why he has reached where he has. He is one of the sickest at training the hardest, says the 19-year-old. Oscar Bobb is ready for the EC. Here together with the rest of the squad, a picture that was taken at precamp in Austria in mid-June. Photo: BILDBYRÅN This is what he learned from Haaland The two Norwegians constantly talk when they meet each other at Manchester City’s training facility, and Bobb describes his superstar compatriot as both a nice guy and the best player in the club. – What is the most important thing you have learned from him? – To always be on, body language, always be positive and always want to get better, says Bobb, who at the same time reveals that he hasn’t talked that much with head coach Pep Guardiola. – In training it is a bit, but he is a very busy guy and has a lot to manage, so it may come with time. Now it’s just been cool to be around him and watch. Now the offensive dribbler is excited about what he can achieve with the Norwegian U21 national team in the EC. Norway has ended up in an apparently tough group with Switzerland, France and Italy. – The gut feeling is good, I think everyone is happy and a little nervous. But we generally know each other very well, says Bobb. Norway opens the play-offs against Switzerland on 22 June. – What kind of goals do you have for the EC? – The goal is to do as well as possible, fight as hard as possible and get some wins. And I hope I get some goal points and that I influence matches to a positive degree. I want to give something extra to the team, he says. U21 manager Leif Gunnar Smerud has high expectations for the young jewel. – He has a technical repertoire on par with the very best Spaniards and the others who have the best technique in the world, he is right at the top there. He has a good eye for the game and tiar qualities I think are exciting. He has delivered over time at City. Norway’s match against Switzerland kicks off on Thursday evening at 18:00. You can watch it on news 1 (second half on news 2).
ttn-69
– He is one of the sickest – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
