Bodo/Glimt coach eyes control against Union in Champions league clash
Bodo/Glimt coach eyes control against Union in Champions league clash
Union Saint-Gilloise faces a stern test on Tuesday at 20:00 against Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Last season, the Norwegian side upset Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the group phase.
- Published at Ostende, Belgium
Norwegian manager Kjetil Knutsen acknowledged in a nearly empty KVDO Arena press room that his side faces a “formidable opponent” on Tuesday. Union Saint-Gilloise will provide a physical and direct challenge at 20:00. “We know their strengths and weaknesses, but we also have our own identity,” Knutsen explained. “We have a solid game plan and intend to control the tempo. We always play offensively, whether at home or away, and won’t settle for defending for 95 minutes.”
The two teams met once before, in October 2024, during the Europa League group stage. That encounter ended 0-0 at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. Knutsen, who took charge in early 2018, recalls the match but stresses Union has since become “a new team.” “A few players from that time remain, but their approach has evolved: they integrate new talent seamlessly, develop them, and sell them at a profit. Like us, they aren’t one of the biggest outfits, but they’ve grown over the years. In Belgium, they’re now one of the top two teams, alongside Club Bruges. Their progress is remarkable.”
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