The clubs in grassroots football for adults over the age of 20 are not yet allowed to train as normal. It became clear when the government presented step two for the reopening of Norway on Friday.
The decision makes John Arne Riise (40) thunder. The man with 110 international matches is now the coach for Flint Tønsberg in the 3rd division.
To Dagbladet, the former Liverpool and Anfield giant says:
– We are simply disappointed with the government.
Step three – which is the last half of June – now seems to be the period for when wide football can get started with contact training. The ban on such training, ie what is defined as normal training, has lasted for over 14 months. Riise thinks it now goes over all boot shafts.
TIRED: John Arne Riise speaks with commitment about grassroots football. Photo: Christian Roth Christensen
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And he is not alone. In a press release from the Norwegian Football Association, elite director Lise Klaveness says that “it hurts directly” to see that adult wide players are still on the sidelines.
Riise does not put two fingers in between in this interview with Dagbladet.
– How do you react to Friday’s decision that the broad clubs are not yet allowed to start contact training?
– Disappointing. Frustrating. Angry. Sad. Tired. And very surprised. What frustrates me the most are the explanations we get. For 15 months we have had promises and hopes. Not once has it gone our way.
Longer out – 17 years later
He continues:
– That we are judged at the bottom is something we have understood for a long time. We are simply disappointed with the government and the way this is being done. Everyone knows that this is just about money. Nothing else! That partying and filling is allowed, says most things. Scandalous!
IN THE FIELD: Flint Tønsberg coach John Arne Riise says that he is proud of the players. This photo was taken just after he became a coach in 2019. Photo: Christian Roth Christensen
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The players at the width clubs still have to keep one meter away when training. This is despite the fact that a report states that there is very little risk of infection to open up for these clubs.
To NRK, Minister of Culture Abid Raja says:
– I understand very well that grassroots sports, coaches and players are frustrated. And I understand well that many were hoping for more reopening all now.
– But, he continues:
– Step three is estimated to occur three weeks after step two, which starts on 27 May. This means that they can start the countdown. At the same time, it is important to remember that stage three obviously presupposes that the infection does not flare up and that unforeseen development does not occur.
But Riise is not impressed:
– I see that Raja is out and “saves” himself with some quotes. Maybe he should rather stop saying things in the media. Time and time again there are empty words.
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Riise got the job as a trainer in Flint Tønsberg in November 2019. In March last year, the corona virus swept inland like a storm. He has therefore not yet led the team in a counting match.
– How have you and the players experienced the last year or so?
– It has been an extremely tough period for my boys. For 15 months they have been training hard in the hope of getting started with the season. But when you are promised something for 15 months – and nothing happens – then it is clear it goes to the guys. You are disappointed time and time again.
He continues:
– I have had, and have, a fantastic bunch. They have kept it going all the way. But it has been tough for motivation. There have been periods where I have given them time off, so they can clear their heads and find the desire again. It has worked. I’m proud of everyone. I know that other teams have had it heavier.
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– What does this do to your own motivation as a coach?
– This has without a doubt been a big test for me, and all other coaches. But I have used everything I have from experience as a player – and from my previous coaches – to motivate the guys. Both in terms of how we feel in training, what we do in training – and not least the one-on-one contact I have with the guys outside. Everyone is different and has different needs. At the same time, this is a test I would not be without once it has happened. I have learned extremely much. About myself as a trainer and person. I will never experience something like that again, so I take this experience with me. It gives me extra motivation to become an even better coach – and succeed. The motivation has never been greater.
Stirred Sunshine
– What about the morale among the players?
– My team has been completely raw! Yes, there have been difficult periods. Disappointments. But we have all done our best all the way. I would never have been able to do what we have done without my gang.
– Do you think it will be possible to complete a season of matches this year?
– Of course! Something else will be a scandal on the part of the government, Riise declares.
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