Ståle Solbakken Sends Message of Support to Åge Hareide Amid Health Battle
A heartfelt message of support from national team manager Ståle Solbakken to esteemed football figure Åge Hareide resonated through the sporting world Saturday, as news emerged of Hareide’s serious illness. Solbakken publicly acknowledged Hareide’s ongoing “hard battle” and wished him “all the luck and happiness” ahead of a crucial Italy match in Milan.
The gesture came during a press conference in Milan, where Solbakken emphasized the significance of Hareide’s presence, despite his health challenges. “He is fighting his battle,” Solbakken stated, adding that Hareide, a veteran of the game, was expected to attend the match and potentially visit the dressing room beforehand.
According to reports, the Norwegian football community is deeply concerned for Hareide’s well-being. A spokesperson for NRK Sport expressed the channel’s strong support, stating, “The whole of NRK Sport is rooting for him and we are very happy that he is present in Milan. Most of all, we would like him to be at work with us.” Dagbladet confirmed that Solbakken proactively sought Hareide’s approval to share the message publicly.
Hareide, 72, boasts a distinguished career both as a player and a coach. He earned 50 caps for Norway and has managed a diverse array of clubs, including Helsingborg (two spells), Brøndby, Rosenborg (two spells), Norway’s national team, Örgryte, Viking, Iceland, and Denmark. His leadership guided Denmark to the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup – a notable achievement for a Norwegian coach on the world stage.
Solbakken highlighted the impact of Hareide’s experience, noting that his presence in Milan added “another good argument for performing” for the team. The veteran coach’s insight and understanding of international competition are invaluable, even from the sidelines.
Åge Hareide: A Career in Football
- Age: 72 years (September 23, 1953)
- Place of birth: Hareid, Norway
- Clubs played for: Hødd, Molde, Manchester City, Norwich
- National A matches/goals: 50/5
- Clubs/nations coached: Molde (1987-91, 1993-97), Helsingborg (1998-99, 2012), Brøndby (2000-02), Rosenborg (2003, 2020-2021), Norway (2003-08), Örgryte (2009), Viking (2010-12), Malmö (2014-15, 2022), Denmark (2016-20), Iceland (2023)
- Series gold as coach: Helsingborg (1999), Brøndby (2002), Rosenborg (2003), Malmö (2014)
Dagbladet’s attempts to reach Hareide and his family for comment have, as of this writing, been unsuccessful. The outpouring of support for Hareide underscores his lasting legacy and the respect he commands within the football community. His presence in Milan, even amidst a personal struggle, serves as a powerful inspiration to all involved.
