Lars Lagerbäck on His Norway Years, the Haaland Era and His Unexpected Hospitalization
Lars Lagerbäck, the veteran coach who guided the Norwegian national team through a significant transition period between 2017 and 2020, is currently stepping away from the spotlight following a health setback. After a career defined by tactical discipline, the 77-year-old is now recovering from a hip injury sustained at his home in Ovansjö, while his long-term future as a television expert remains uncertain as his contract with Viaplay concludes this summer.
A Legacy of Transition and Tension
Lagerbäck arrived in Norway in 2017 with a mandate to revitalize a struggling football nation. At the time, the team was ranked near the bottom of their qualification group and faced intense pressure from both the media and the public. Under his leadership, the squad saw a notable resurgence, achieving a group victory in the Nations League in 2018—their best performance since 1929.
The tenure was marked by the emergence of a new generation, most notably Erling Haaland. Lagerbäck recalls the striker’s early days, noting that while Haaland was not the most vocal player, his dedication to training—including 20-minute defensive drills without complaint—stood out. However, the period also saw friction, specifically a publicized disagreement with Alexander Sörloth following a 1-2 loss to Serbia in the Euro 2021 playoff semifinals.
Lars Lagerbäck’s tenure with the Norwegian national team ended abruptly in late 2020 after the football association and local authorities decided to select a different squad for the final matches due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, leading to his departure from the role.
The Transition to Life Outside the Dugout
Lagerbäck’s departure from the Norwegian post marked the first time he had been fired during his extensive coaching career. Since then, he has spent 15 years as a television expert, but he acknowledges that the demands of the role are changing. As he nears the end of his current contract, he admits that memory and preparation requirements are becoming more challenging, though he remains characteristically pragmatic about his future.
Lars Lagerbäck’s career reflects the high-stakes reality of international football management, where the success of developing generational talents like Erling Haaland is often measured against the volatility of qualification results. His candid reflection on the “small clash” with Sörloth and the unexpected nature of his dismissal highlights the fragility of a manager’s position, even when foundational progress has been made.
What Happens Next?
Following his recent surgery and hip injury, Lagerbäck intends to spend his summer quietly at his property in Ovansjö and his apartment in Solna. While his contract with Viaplay expires, he has not indicated a firm plan to retire from media work, suggesting he will evaluate his position based on his own performance and the network’s requirements. Fans of his analysis may see a reduction in his public appearances, as he prioritizes recovery and a slower pace of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lars Lagerbäck leave the Norwegian national team?
He was dismissed by the football association in late 2020, shortly after a period of intense disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the team being unable to play certain matches.
How does Lagerbäck view his relationship with Alexander Sörloth today?
Lagerbäck characterizes their past conflict as a “small clash” caused by overambition and youth. He considers the matter resolved and views Sörloth as a player with immense potential.
What is the current status of Lagerbäck’s television career?
His contract with Viaplay concludes this summer. He has stated that he will continue to assess whether he is keeping up with the requirements of the role as he ages.
How do you think the legacy of coaches who focus on long-term structural change, like Lagerbäck, should be measured in modern football?