CORNERFLICK
Ståle Solbakken has played down the viral dressing-room video in which he appeared to taunt Carlo Ancelotti, saying it was only a joke before Norway's World Cup last-16 meeting with Brazil on Sunday.
Norway's football federation released the clip after a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, with Solbakken ending his speech by saying: "Wait, Carlo Ancelotti, we are coming." Speaking in Vancouver, he insisted there was no intention to provoke the Brazil coach.
"That was in no way trash talk or a provocative move," Solbakken said. He added that Ancelotti ranks among the greatest coaches in European football history alongside Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho, and said he holds the Italian in the highest regard.
Solbakken also said he had faced Chelsea and Real Madrid teams coached by Ancelotti during his time at Copenhagen, and described him as a man with a strong sense of humour.
Norway go into the tie after their first ever knockout win at a World Cup, earned with Erling Haaland's help against Ivory Coast. Solbakken said Brazil are in good form, have strong players in every position and are among the teams expected to go deep in the tournament, but stressed Norway are aiming for the quarter-finals.