Olsen returns, hungry for more
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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Veteran Egil Olsen, 66, has been named as interim Norway coach until the summer, almost two decades after arriving at the post in similar fashion – and staying on for eight years, overseeing a halcyon period for the team.
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Egil Olsen has been named as interim Norway coach until the summer, almost two decades after arriving in the post in similar fashion – and going on to enjoy a hugely-successful eight-year spell.
Long-term hopes
"I was appointed as caretaker in 1990 as well and lasted eight years in the job," the 66-year-old Olsen pointed out. "I would like the job permanently this time as well." The former Wimbledon FC, Vålerenga IF and Fredrikstad FK coach, who spent last year at the helm of the Iraqi national team, will have the chance to impress with three friendlies, starting with a meeting against Germany on 11 February.
World Cup pedigree
It is not known if Olsen, who guided Norway to the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, will remain in charge to take up the challenge of trying to revive Norway's slender hopes of reaching the 2012 edition. Predecessor Åge Hareide stepping down in December with Norway rooted to the bottom of Group 9 after three winless games.