Haaland Eyes Future Role with Norway National Team, Aspiring to Follow Bergersen’s Path
Oslo, Norway – Erling Braut Haaland, the Manchester City striker and global football sensation, has revealed his long-term ambition to transition into a coaching role with the Norway national team, specifically targeting the position currently held by assistant coach Kent “Kenta” Bergersen. This aspiration, reported by NRK on May 1, 2026, signals a potential future career path for the 23-year-old Haaland beyond his playing days.
The revelation comes as Haaland continues to dominate headlines both on and off the pitch. Having recently secured accolades at the Idrettsgallaen – Norway’s Sports Gala – where he was named both the Male Athlete of the Year and received the Players’ Prize, Haaland’s influence extends beyond his goal-scoring prowess. The awards ceremony, held on January 10, 2026, highlighted his significant contribution to Norwegian football, alongside recognition for head coach Ståle Solbakken and the national team as a whole.
Bergersen: The Architect of Norway’s Success
Kent “Kenta” Bergersen has become a pivotal figure in Norwegian football, widely credited with playing a key role in the national team’s recent successes, including qualification for major tournaments. NRK describes Bergersen as “often referred to as the brains behind Norway’s World Cup success.” His impact is such that Haaland is actively looking towards the future, hoping to emulate Bergersen’s influence within the national setup. Bergersen, currently enjoying a moment of calm before another workday, reflects on the impact of the playing surface, stating, “When you close your eyes and go to bed at night, it’s green for the first hour after you close your eyes. Green grass does something to a person.”
The admiration for Bergersen is evident in a photograph displayed on his wall, showing him and Ståle Solbakken taking a selfie on the pitch at San Siro, moments after securing Norway’s spot in a major tournament. This image, a gift from the Indre Østland football district, serves as a tangible symbol of their collaborative achievement. Bergersen’s ability to foster a winning environment and his tactical acumen are clearly highly valued by Haaland, who sees a future for himself in a similar role.
Haaland’s Long-Term Vision
While currently focused on his club career with Manchester City, Haaland’s ambition to join the Norway national team’s coaching staff demonstrates a proactive approach to his future. The timing of this revelation coincides with a period of heightened expectations for the national team, as they prepare for upcoming European Championship qualifying matches. The NRK series “Landslagspausen” explores the pressures faced by Haaland and the national team as they navigate these expectations.
Haaland’s desire to work alongside Bergersen suggests a strategic approach to his potential coaching career. He recognizes the value of learning from an experienced and respected figure like Bergersen, who has proven his ability to guide the national team to success. This ambition as well highlights Haaland’s deep commitment to Norwegian football and his desire to contribute to its continued growth.
A Career Beyond Scoring Goals
Haaland’s interest in coaching represents a significant shift in perspective for a player renowned for his goal-scoring ability. He has already achieved considerable success on the field, winning numerous individual awards and team trophies. However, his aspiration to become a coach suggests a desire to broaden his impact on the game and to share his knowledge and experience with future generations of Norwegian footballers.
Bergersen himself describes his lifelong passion for the game, stating he has always been “a football nerd.” He initially pursued a career as a professional player for eleven years before transitioning into coaching. This personal journey may resonate with Haaland, who is now contemplating his own path beyond playing.
The Current Landscape of Norwegian Football
The Norwegian national team has experienced a resurgence in recent years, fueled by the emergence of talented players like Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Ståle Solbakken’s leadership as head coach has been instrumental in this success and the partnership with assistant coach Kent Bergersen has proven to be particularly effective. The team’s recent achievements have generated significant excitement among fans and have raised expectations for future performances.
The recognition received at the Idrettsgallaen underscores the positive momentum within Norwegian football. Solbakken expressed his satisfaction with the accolades, stating, “It can’t get any better, really.” The awards for Haaland, Solbakken, and the national team as a whole reflect the collective effort and dedication that have propelled Norwegian football forward.
Haaland’s potential transition into coaching could further strengthen the national team’s infrastructure and provide a valuable link between the playing and coaching staff. His insights as a current player would be invaluable in shaping the team’s tactics and strategies, and his presence could inspire future generations of Norwegian footballers.
As Haaland continues to excel on the pitch, his long-term ambition to join the coaching staff of the Norway national team offers a glimpse into a potentially exciting future for both the player and the nation’s football program. His admiration for Kent Bergersen and his desire to learn from a proven leader suggest a thoughtful and strategic approach to his future career.
The next step for Haaland and the national team will be the upcoming European Championship qualifying matches, where they will seem to build on their recent successes and secure a place in the tournament. The focus remains firmly on the present, but Haaland’s long-term vision provides a compelling narrative for the future of Norwegian football.
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