Norwegian Talk - With Special Guest Ben Wells - S4:E22

On this episode Steve Wyss is joined by Norwegian football analyst & expert Ben Wells. We talk about all things Norway in great detail. Starting with the National team, what have been the recent challenges facing this side, including the forfeit vs Romania and upcoming fixture vs Austria. There is a ‘Golden Generation’ of talent at their disposal but is Lars Lagerbäck the right man to lead them forward? What are the reasons behind this sudden upturn in Norwegian talent? Ben has covered the OBOS Ligaen for many years so we are able to have a detailed discussion about the state of affairs in the Norwegian 2nd tier. What clubs are going well this year and hear how competitive the division is right now. Plus, who are the best talents to watch out for in OBOS, ready for the next level? Over in the Eliteserien Steve and Ben discuss the phenomenon of Bodø/Glimt and how this club has revolutionised Norwegian football in the last two years. What is the long term prognosis for them and can they challenge perennially? Detailed talks on Vålerenga & Brann follow. How does Ben rate Dag Eilev Fagermo’s first season at VIF and what has gone so badly wrong at Brann? Should ‘manager of the year’ contender Martí Cifuentes have taken over there mid season? We round off the pod by talking about Ben’s upcoming book on Norwegian football which is set for release in 2022. This was a great episode to pick the brains of a fantastic expert and we thank him for his time. Episode Itinerary 01:00 - Norwegian National team - Golden Generation 17:45 - OBOS Ligaen discussion 37:00 - Eliteserien talk - Bodø/Glimt brilliance 54:00 - Vålerenga under Fagermo 59:00 - Brann interrogation - what has gone wrong? 1:04:30 - Martí Cifuentes one of the managers of the season? 1:17:00 - Ben Wells Norwegian Football Book!