Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb was given some stinging criticism by his national team manager after a disappointing draw
OSLO, NORWAY - OCTOBER 11: Erling Haaland of Norway, Oscar Bobb, Patrick Berg gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Norway and Israel at Ullevaal Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
OSLO, NORWAY - OCTOBER 11: Erling Haaland of Norway, Oscar Bobb, Patrick Berg gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Norway and Israel at Ullevaal Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
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Oscar Bobb accepted stinging criticism from his Norway manager after starting in their 1-1 draw with New Zealand. The Manchester City star was blasted by coach Stale Solbakken after the game for following up the 'weakest half' of his international career with the second weakest.
Norway are flying in their World Cup qualifying group and beat Israel 5-0 at the weekend to make it six wins from six. With just two games to go and a healthy goal difference, they are on the cusp of making a major tournament for the first time in a generation.
Solbakken gave Erling Haaland and several other players extra rest this week, allowing others the chance to shine in their friendly against New Zealand. They were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw though after having to come from behind.
Bobb played the whole game but the City winger was publicly slapped down by his coach after the game, who told VG: "He is lacking everything,
“He takes too long with the ball, positions himself strangely and doesn’t press well. He’s done that in training and been very good at it.
“But if you ask Oscar, I think he’ll say that the first half was his weakest performance for the national team. The second half was the next weakest.”
Solbakken went on to say that he wasn't worried by the performance given what Bobb has shown previously, but it will be a tough reminder for the 22-year-old - who accepted the comments were 'fair' afterwards. He is still working to show his best consistently after missing virtually all of last season with a leg fracture and complications that followed on from that.
“Oscar defensively is a machine, he helped us a lot and in the final third. His one-v-one is really good, and he made good decisions. I’m really pleased he played good," said Pep Guardiola after the 1-0 win over Brentford.
“I will encourage him to be more incisive, and when he goes one one-on-one, two v two, he can create really big situations.”
“He made an incredible pass to Phil, which was a clear chance on the penalty spot that he should have got on target.”
“In general, he was really, really good in that 1st half and defensively, offensively – in all aspects, and he is a player we trust a lot.”
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