Lisbon, Portugal — May 7, 2026 — Norwegian football manager Kjetil Knutsen has publicly dismissed speculation that his assistant coach Gaute Helstrup could succeed him at Bodø/Glimt, calling the rumors “nonsense” and warning media outlets against spreading unfounded claims. The comments come as the Norwegian Eliteserien club faces mounting pressure following a series of poor results this season.
In an interview with Norwegian media, Knutsen—who has led Bodø/Glimt since 2023—expressed frustration with the persistent rumors, stating that no decision regarding his future with the club has been made. “I have not decided anything, and neither has the club,” Knutsen said, adding that the speculation was “tricky to look at” and unnecessary. The comments follow weeks of media speculation linking Helstrup, who has served as Knutsen’s assistant for over two years, to a potential coaching vacancy.
Helstrup, a Tromsø native, has been part of Knutsen’s coaching staff since joining Bodø/Glimt in late 2023. The duo previously worked together at Strømsgodset, where Helstrup also served as an assistant coach. While the rumors gained traction in Norwegian sports circles, Knutsen’s direct response marks the first time the manager has addressed the matter publicly.
Context: Bodø/Glimt’s Struggles and Media Speculation
Bodø/Glimt’s recent form has sparked concerns among fans and analysts alike. The club, which reached the Champions League knockout stages in 2023, has failed to replicate that success in the 2025–26 season, currently sitting in the lower half of the Eliteserien table. The media speculation surrounding Knutsen’s future reflects broader uncertainty about the club’s direction under his leadership.
While Knutsen has not indicated any intention to leave Bodø/Glimt, the rumors highlight the challenges faced by Norwegian football clubs in retaining top coaching talent amid financial constraints and competitive pressure. Similar speculation has arisen in recent seasons at other Norwegian clubs, including Rosenborg and Molde, where managerial changes have been linked to on-field underperformance.
Key Takeaways:
- Kjetil Knutsen has directly rejected reports suggesting Gaute Helstrup could replace him at Bodø/Glimt, calling the speculation “nonsense.”
- No decision regarding Knutsen’s future has been made by either the coach or the club.
- Helstrup has served as Knutsen’s assistant for over two years, previously working together at Strømsgodset.
- Bodø/Glimt’s recent struggles in the Eliteserien have fueled media speculation about managerial changes.
- Knutsen’s response marks the first official comment from the club on the matter.
Who Are the Key Figures Involved?
Kjetil Knutsen (born 1978) is a Norwegian football manager who has led Bodø/Glimt since 2023. Prior to his current role, he managed Strømsgodset (2019–2023) and had stints as an assistant coach at several Norwegian clubs. Knutsen is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to develop young talent, traits that contributed to Bodø/Glimt’s Champions League run in 2023.
Gaute Helstrup, a Tromsø native, has been Knutsen’s assistant at Bodø/Glimt since late 2023. Before joining Bodø/Glimt, Helstrup worked as an assistant coach at Strømsgodset under Knutsen’s leadership. His experience includes youth coaching roles at Tromsø IL and brief periods as a player in lower-tier Norwegian leagues.
The speculation surrounding Helstrup’s potential promotion comes amid a broader trend in Norwegian football, where assistant coaches are increasingly being considered for head coaching roles due to financial constraints and the scarcity of experienced managers.
What Happens Next?
With Knutsen’s contract at Bodø/Glimt reportedly set to expire in the summer of 2026, the club’s board is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming months. While the manager has dismissed the rumors, the club’s ownership has not yet commented on the matter. Fans and analysts will be closely watching Bodø/Glimt’s performance in the final months of the season, which could influence any decision regarding Knutsen’s continuation.
For now, the focus remains on the team’s on-field performance. Bodø/Glimt’s next critical match is scheduled for May 12, 2026, where they will face rivals Molde in a high-stakes Eliteserien clash. The outcome of this match could further shape the narrative surrounding Knutsen’s future.
Why Does This Matter?
The speculation over Knutsen’s future is more than just a coaching rumor—it reflects the broader challenges facing Norwegian football. With limited financial resources compared to top European clubs, Norwegian teams often rely on internal promotions to fill managerial vacancies. This approach, while practical, can create uncertainty and instability for players and fans alike.
For Bodø/Glimt specifically, the situation underscores the importance of consistency at the coaching level. The club’s Champions League success in 2023 demonstrated what can be achieved with the right leadership, and any change in management could disrupt that momentum. Meanwhile, the rumors also highlight the media’s role in shaping narratives around football clubs, often with little regard for the impact on players and staff.
As the season progresses, the focus will remain on Bodø/Glimt’s ability to improve their results. Whether Knutsen stays or moves on, the club’s next steps will be closely watched by supporters and analysts across Norway.
Reader Questions: What We Know and What We Don’t
Q: Is Kjetil Knutsen’s contract up for renewal soon?
A: Knutsen’s contract with Bodø/Glimt is reportedly set to expire in the summer of 2026. However, no official announcement has been made regarding negotiations or extensions.
Q: Could Gaute Helstrup be a long-term replacement for Knutsen?
A: While Helstrup has been Knutsen’s assistant for over two years and has experience as a coach, there is no indication that he has been formally considered for the head coaching role. Knutsen’s direct rejection of the speculation suggests that no such discussions are underway.
Q: How has Bodø/Glimt’s form affected the rumors?
A: The club’s recent struggles in the Eliteserien have contributed to the media narrative surrounding Knutsen’s future. Poor results often lead to increased speculation about managerial changes, particularly in clubs where financial constraints limit the ability to hire high-profile replacements.
Q: What are Bodø/Glimt’s next steps?
A: The club’s immediate focus is on improving their on-field performance. Beyond that, the ownership is expected to make a decision on Knutsen’s future in the coming months, likely after the current season concludes.
For the latest updates on Bodø/Glimt and Norwegian football, follow Norges Fotballforbund and Eliteserien’s official channels.
Carlos Mendes is a sports journalist and editor with over 13 years of experience covering football and Olympic sports. His work has been recognized with the European Sports Media Award (2021), and he currently serves as the Editor of the Sports section at World Today Journal.
Next Checkpoint: Bodø/Glimt’s match against Molde on May 12, 2026, followed by potential contract discussions with Kjetil Knutsen in the summer of 2026.
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