Norwegian grandees scrap for Stabæk's title
Friday, March 13, 2009
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Stabæk IF striker Daniel Nannskog diplomatically described talk of his side retaining their Norwegian title as "premature" with the old guard expected to dominate when the new Tippeligaen season kicks off on Saturday.
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Stabæk IF striker Daniel Nannskog diplomatically described talk of his side retaining the Norwegian title as "premature" with the old guard expected to dominate when the new season kicks off on Saturday.
Modest champions
No club has successfully defended an Eliteserien title since Rosenborg BK won the last of their 13 successive championships in 2004, and modest Stabæk look unlikely to buck that trend. They have lost two of their best players ahead of the 2009 campaign, whose new 16-team format – expanded from 14 – should favour clubs with larger squads.
Key departures
Stabæk may have gained fresh surroundings, moving to their new indoor Fornebu Arena, but they have lost key personnel in Icelandic playmaker Veigar Páll Gunnarsson and Brazilian magician Alanzinho. Gunnarsson, now at AS Nancy-Lorraine, was their most effective player last term, while Eliteserien defenders were mightily relieved when Alanzinho joined Trabzonspor.
Realistic assessment
Nannskog was perhaps the main beneficiary of the departed duo's efforts, scoring 16 league goals in 2008, and he said their loss would be felt acutely by the Baerum-based side. "To talk of gold again is premature," said the Swedish international. "We have lost players I had built up an understanding with, and it will take time for new players to bed in."
'Top five'
Stabæk coach Jan Jönsson has signed forward Espen Hoff from FC Lyn Oslo and midfielder Daigo Kobayashi from Japanese outfit Omiya Ardija, yet remains cautious. "Our aim is to be in the top five," he said. "The team will have to settle into a new arena with an artificial pitch, and there will be more pressure this season."
Ominous result
Many attributed Stabæk's 2008 success to a miserable campaign for Norway's traditional titans – Rosenborg, SK Brann, Viking FK, Lillestrøm SK and Vålerenga IF all finished outside the top four. However, the expanded league will likely suit these wealthier clubs, with Rosenborg again tipped for the top. The Trondheim side warmed up for the big kick-off by defeating Viking 5-1 in Stavanger, with home coach Uwe Rösler warning: "Rosenborg are in a different league to us, in every department. I can't see anyone else winning the league if they carry on like that."