Hansen relieved of his Rosenborg duties

Rosenborg BK have sacked coach Per Joar Hansen three days before the deciding leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie against Sligo Rovers FC.

The Trondheim outfit lost 2-1 at home to the Irish side last Thursday – their first defeat in seven in all competitions – and although they moved up to second in the Norwegian top flight at the weekend following a 1-0 win against Sogndal IL Fotball, chairman Ivar Koteng felt compelled to act.

"Results and performances weren't up to the standard required," he said. "That is the reason that we have ended the relationship with Hansen and his assistant Bård Wiggen."

Former Rosenborg player Kåre Ingebrigtsen has been appointed on a deal until the end of the Norwegian season in early November, with director of sport Erik Hoftun acting as his assistant.

Former Norway Under-21 boss Hansen, who succeeded Jan Jönsson in December 2012, said: "The team's performances weren't good enough, but I was surprised when I was called into the meeting to receive news that I was sacked. I'm sure there's enough quality in the side to score a couple of goals and advance. I really hope they manage to turn things around in Europe and the Eliteserien."

Rosenborg lie nine points behind domestic league leaders Molde FK after 16 games of their 30-match campaign.