Bodo/Glimt Coach Knutsen on Tottenham Match: 'We're Prepared'

Knutsen's Glimt aims to upset Tottenham in Champions League

Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen shares insights on the team's preparation for the Champions League match against Tottenham. 

“We were tactically outclassed. They manage to strangle our free play with their pressing game...”

Bodo/Glimt's coach Kjetil Knutsen believes their crushing defeat to Spurs in the Europa League semi-final last season was a turning point. The Norwegian team lost 5-1 on aggregate, but Knutsen says it prompted them to rethink their strategy. The two teams are set to face off again at Aspmyra Stadium in the Champions League, and Knutsen is likely to draw on the lessons learned from their previous encounter.

Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen considers the 5-1 aggregate defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League semi-final last season a wake-up call for his team. This significant loss prompted the Norwegian outfit to reassess and adjust their approach in several key areas.

The two teams are set to face each other again on Tuesday night at the Aspmyra Stadium for Matchday Two of the Champions League. Knutsen has been reflecting on the lessons learned from their previous encounter, aiming to implement changes that will help his team overcome the challenges they previously faced.

Following the May match, Knutsen analyzed the difficulties his team encountered in the two-match series against Spurs, which ultimately denied them a chance to reach the Europa League final. This experience has likely influenced Bodo/Glimt's strategy and preparations for their upcoming match.

“We were tactically outclassed. They manage to strangle our free play with their pressing game. They never allowed us to settle into a rhythm. Physically, they were levels above us, and they took out the pace of the game when they needed to. We never got into any of the two matches. It was a wake-up call for us.”

🚨Bodo glimt are looking at Tottenham with anger in their eyes

the feeling inside the dressing room is a feeling of revenge🤬 pic.twitter.com/wBD04ANQMJ

— e (@eirehotspur) May 7, 2025

Bodo/Glimt's attacking approach has become more potent, with a notable increase of over 10 touches per match in the opponent's box in the Eliteserien. This translates to approximately 300 more touches inside the opponent's box per season, showcasing their enhanced attacking strategy.

“During a period where we had difficulties combining two competitions, we neglected the simple and basic aspects of training and culture. We have raised the bar throughout the summer. Then it has become a snowball that has started rolling, and it just goes faster and faster,” says prolific midfielder Ulrik Saltnes. Statistics now underline that the Norwegian outfit are able to dominate their opponents and kill them off to a greater degree.

“We grabbed hold of each other right after the Tottenham match, where we felt that the training culture had faded a little. Since then, we have worked hard and well over time,” says Glimt captain Patrick Berg.

“The Tottenham game was an eye-opener for us. My experience is that it is easier to reach a level when you have felt it on your body. We were not close, and it was surprising to us.”

🏹 Dom strikes again.
👀 Pedro's 'cross'.
🇪🇸 Bilbao bound.

Highlights: Bodø/Glimt 0-2 Spurs (1-5 agg) 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZhsgJpn8PE

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 9, 2025

The Glimt players attribute their progress to two key areas: enhanced physical training and intensified pressing. They've increased their focus on physical conditioning, incorporating strength training into their daily routine.

The team now engages in some form of strength training almost daily, which has significantly improved their overall physicality. This increased emphasis on physical preparation has been a crucial factor in their development.

The physical improvements have enabled the team to press even more intensively, reducing the time their opponents have with the ball. This high-pressing strategy allows Glimt to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, ultimately enhancing their overall gameplay.

“We have done a lot tactically in terms of how to stifle opponents and have an attacking expression in the defensive game. We have come a long way there. It's primarily about recovery, that you don't take that extra half second to run back,” says Jens Petter Hauge.

Coach Knutsen notes that the context for the upcoming match against Tottenham has changed significantly. Unlike their previous encounter in the Europa League semi-final, where Spurs prioritized the tournament as their last chance to qualify for European club competitions, both teams now face a demanding league season where every point is crucial.

“I am very excited about what we have learned after the last match. I think we are completely dependent on producing a football match where we are at our best,” says Knutsen.

The highly anticipated match between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham will take place at the Aspmyra stadium, kicking off at 21:00 CET. Fans can expect an intense showdown between the two teams as they clash in the Champions League.