Arsenal supporters reacted with amusement and slight concern after video footage emerged showing Norway`s national team coach, Ståle Solbakken, engaging in a playful wrestling match with Martin Odegaard.
This lighthearted interaction even led some fans to jokingly speculate whether the coach was secretly acting on behalf of Real Madrid, attempting to harm the Gunners` captain.
Credit: Rex
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Credit: X
Odegaard, 26, captained his national team in a 4-2 victory against Israel in a World Cup qualifier held in Hungary on Tuesday.
The midfielder provided three assists before being substituted by coach Stale Solbakken during added time.
Solbakken visibly expressed his satisfaction with Odegaard`s stellar performance and demonstrated a warm rapport with his player.
This was evident when he greeted Odegaard with a handshake and a hug, accompanied by words of encouragement as he left the pitch.
Former Wolves manager Solbakken, 57, playfully put Odegaard in a headlock near the touchline.
The playful encounter escalated as he jokingly attempted a wrestling move, trying to bring his captain to the ground.
In a humorous turn, Solbakken himself ended up on the ground, releasing his hold as Odegaard managed to remain standing.
Both coach and player shared a laugh as the Arsenal star proceeded to the bench to watch the final moments of the game.
However, some Arsenal fans were less than completely amused by the দৃশ্য.
Mikel Arteta`s squad is facing a crucial period with upcoming matches in the Premier League, where they are still in contention for the title, and importantly, their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Arsenal is set to host the current Champions League titleholders on April 8, with the return match at the Bernabeu scheduled for April 16.
Fans are anxious to protect their key captain, especially given recent injuries within the team, hoping he remains fit and available to play against his former club, rather than risking injury in playful wrestling during international duty.
Upon viewing the video with Solbakken, one fan jokingly commented online: “Was this coach sent by Madrid to injure Odegaard?”
Another fan expressed similar sentiments, writing: “This coach must be a Madrid supporter… he`s trying to injure our captain.”
A third fan added, “I would go to Norway to confront him if he injured Odegaard.”
A fourth comment read, “Get off our captain, we can`t afford any more injuries.”
Finally, another user pleaded, “Dear coach, please refrain from doing that. Sincerely, all Arsenal fans.”
Credit: AFP
