The stage is set for a big game when Molde visit Trondheim and arch-rival Rosenborg on Sunday. – There are always big games against them, no matter where we are in the table. It’s a grudge match that we’re really looking forward to, says Molde captain Magnus Wolff Eikrem. Molde captain Magnus Wolff Eikrem says that they have worked hard this week, and that they hope they can show a better side during the match against Rosenborg. Photo: Øyvind Berge Sæbjørnsen / news The last matches in the Eliteserien have not produced the results Molde wants. They have three straight losses and are now in fifth place in the table. After the 4-1 loss against Tromsø on Monday, several supporters have shared their concerns on social media: “If Moe is still a coach in Molde after this season, I don’t understand anything. Negative development in ALL areas. Time to start looking at yourself in the mirror.” “Very few run with the ball for more than 10 metres. Is the form bad? Unbelievably embarrassing tonight.” The Molde players were very disappointed after the loss against Tromsø on Monday. Photo: Svein Ove Ekornesvåg / NTB Thinks it is time for a new coach – There have been a few ups and downs, but overall it has been weak. This is how Molde supporter and presenter of the podcast FasitMolde, Odd Erik Skavold Lystad, describes the season for the blue shirts. – The results are not where they should be, and they haven’t been for a while, says Odd Erik Skavold Lystad. Photo: Privat They recently made an episode about their concerns about the development of the club. Weak results, player logistics, responsibility and demands for change were some of the content. – The way the club, the sporting side and Erling Moe have appeared, we think the time for a new coach has come, unfortunately, says Lystad, but adds that they are grateful for what Moe has achieved at the club in the past. He is looking forward to the match against Rosenborg, and says that it is important for Molde supporters that three points are taken in those matches. But he is clear that it does not change anything. – We are not there that if we beat Rosenborg then we have saved honor and face. – There is constant pressure. Erling Moe himself is not surprised by the criticism that has come against him and his recent achievements. – You have to take that into account when things go downhill, and that is part of what we are doing, he says. Erling Moe says that you have to like feeling the pressure when you are a coach in Molde. Photo: Øyvind Berge Sæbjørnsen / news He chooses to focus on what they can do something about. – I feel that we have used the week in a constructive way, so of course I hope that we will put together a really good performance on Sunday. – Do you feel extra pressure before Sunday’s game? – There is constant pressure to be a coach in Molde. It is a club that should be at the top every single year, Moe replies. He believes that you have to enjoy feeling the pressure when you have chosen a profession as a coach. Not satisfied CEO of the club Øystein Neerland is also not satisfied with what has been delivered in the last series rounds. – There are things to turn around, and we are working to make that happen. We have a match at Lerkendal on Sunday, it gives us an opportunity to show ourselves in a good way again, he says. Øystein Neerland is clear that they still have a lot to play for with both the elite series, European games and a cup final in December. Photo: Øyvind Berge Sæbjørnsen / news – Several supporters believe that it might be time to look for a new head coach, is that something you are thinking about? – Right now we are focusing on what is right in front of us. We will, of course, make evaluations of what we have delivered, and of what affects the overall operation of the club. We will dig and check where we think we need to check, Neerland replies. – Two out of three goals have been achieved. Last year, the Romdalingen won the series superbly with 18 points. Before today’s game, they are eight points behind Viking, who are in fourth place. Molde has played one game less. This means that Molde may be dependent on winning the cup final in December to secure an opportunity in Europe next year. – In our plan, we will play regularly in Europe, be in the top three and play for a cup final. Two out of three goals have been achieved, but we are still not completely satisfied, says Neerland. He is clear that the cup final will be extra important this year. You will not be able to see these pictures at Aker Stadium this year. Photo: Marius Simensen / NTB Supporter and podcast host Odd Erik Skavold Lystad is afraid of what will happen if Molde loses the opportunity to play in Europe next year. – Then they also lose an important economic factor. I’m afraid that 2024 could be a tough year, if we can’t make some moves that will get us back on our feet.
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Several supporters are critical after poor performances: – That’s part of it, says the Molde coach
