Norway manager Ståle Solbakken did not hide his frustration following his team’s 1-1 draw against New Zealand, openly criticising the performance of Oscar Bobb after the match. The Manchester City attacker, who has been working hard to establish himself as a regular in the Norwegian national team, endured a difficult evening and failed to make the desired impact. Despite his growing influence at City, where he has begun to enjoy more consistent game time, Bobb struggled to replicate that form on the international stage.
With several of Norway’s key players unavailable for the friendly, expectations were high for Bobb to take on a greater role and demonstrate his quality. However, his performance fell short of both managerial and public expectations. Norway found it difficult to break down their opponents, and Bobb, often regarded for his technical ability and creativity, was unable to impose himself in the attacking third. His lack of influence became a focal point of discussion after the final whistle.
Solbakken’s Candid Assessment
-----------------------------
When asked about Bobb’s display, Ståle Solbakken was notably direct in his response. Speaking to [TV2](https://www.tv2.no/sport/fotball/solbakken-med-nadelos-dom-over-juvelen-i-dag-manglet-han-alt/18194172/), he said: “He was very bad in the first half.” When pressed further on what the attacker was missing, Solbakken added bluntly: “Today he was missing everything.” The remarks highlighted the manager’s disappointment and his insistence that players in Bobb’s position must perform at a consistently high level, particularly when given the opportunity to start in the absence of established stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.
Bobb’s Reaction and Perspective
-------------------------------
Confronted with his manager’s comments, Bobb responded maturely, acknowledging that the criticism was justified. “I don’t disagree that much. That’s a completely fair summary. But I was a little tired, and made some bad involvements in the first half. Then I just have to think about the next one,” he explained. His reaction suggests self-awareness and a willingness to learn, qualities that could serve him well as he continues to develop.
In conclusion, the exchange between Solbakken and Bobb serves as a reminder of the high standards expected at the international level. While the young attacker’s performance against New Zealand did not meet expectations, his acceptance of criticism and determination to improve may yet strengthen his case for a more prominent role in future matches.