Molde Football Club confirmed on Sunday evening that coach erling Moe is finished with the club.
This provokes a reaction from notable Vegard Hansen:
– Molde was apparently satisfied with Moe until September 16. So it is indeed very strange that they are so dissatisfied with what has happened as September 16 and up to today. It truly seems short-sighted and random,Hansen told Dagbladet.
FINISHED: Erling Moe is no longer the head coach of Molde.He was dismissed on Sunday evening. Photo: NTB
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On September 16, Moe extended his contract with Molde for two more years. But less than three months later, he gets dismissed.The news hits like a bomb – just 24 hours after the loss to Fredrikstad in the cup final.
– The first thing that strikes me is that it seems very random and strange. I highly doubt that Erling has become a significantly worse coach in those few weeks, Hansen points out, who is the head coach and sports director in Arendal.
TRIUMPH: Fredrikstad won the cup final after 5-4 against Molde on penalties. photo: John Terje Pedersen
TRIUMPH: Fredrikstad won the cup final after 5-4 against Molde on penalties.Photo: john Terje Pedersen
TRIUMPH: fredrikstad won the cup final after 5-4 against Molde on penalties. Photo: John Terje Pedersen
The drop was reportedly the cup final loss.This comes on top of a fifth place in the Eliteserien, which means that Molde will not participate in Europe next season.
Hansen believes Moe would not have been dismissed if Molde had won the cup final. On X, the former Mjøndalen and Kongsvinger coach wrote:
“September 16, 2024, Molde extended with Erling Moe. I doubt that Moe has significantly worsened as a coach in under three months. Could it be so random and marginal that he would have continued with a penalty shootout win?”
Speaking to Dagbladet,Hansen elaborates:
– It becomes pure speculation from my side: But had they won the penalty shootout in the cup final,I believe he would have continued. For me, it becomes a strange process that the club ends up in this way. Not long ago, he extended his contract.
– It is quite possible that things have happened that I am not aware of. But I bet Erling feels exactly what I am writing here. I bet he finds it a bit strange.
Has been fired
– I have been in that situation both once and twice in recent years. I bet he felt that something was about to happen after they lost to Fredrikstad.
Moe himself did not want to talk about the future after the cup final. He joined the club in 2015, having served as both assistant and head coach.
Dagbladet has sought comment from Molde director Øystein Neerland but has not received a response. In a press release from the club, it states:
– Molde Football Club has today informed head coach Erling Moe that the collaboration is ending. the reason is the results of this season, which mean that the club is not qualified to participate in any of the European tournaments starting in 2025.
Hansen points out that Molde was also in danger of missing out on European play when the club extended with Moe on September 16. At that time, they were in third place.
Football expert Lars Tjærnås responds this way when asked if he is surprised by Moe’s departure:
– We certainly know the law of gravity in football. If there is a gap between expectations and demands and results, a coach will always live dangerously over time. Amid all this, I hope everyone remembers all the good things he has done for the club over a long time.
Molde won the Eliteserien in 2019 and 2022. Moe has also won the cup with Molde.
Trond Strande and Eirik Mæland will lead Molde in the last two matches of the Conference League in 2024.
It is indeed with a heavy heart that we have given erling this message. But in a preliminary overall assessment of the results this season, the conclusion is that we have not performed well enough, says chairman Odd ivar Moen.
What were the key factors leading to Erling Moe’s dismissal from Molde Football Club?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Vegard Hansen, Expert and Coach in Norwegian football
Editor: Good day, Vegard! Thank you for joining us. The recent dismissal of Erling Moe from Molde Football Club has certainly sent shockwaves through the football community. Can you share your initial thoughts on this decision?
Hansen: Thank you for having me! It really is a perplexing situation. Just a few weeks ago, on September 16th, Molde extended Moe’s contract for two more years. To turn around and dismiss him after such a short period, especially following a cup final loss, makes it seem quite random and short-sighted.
Editor: That’s an captivating point.You mentioned that the decision appears to lack foresight. What makes you say that?
Hansen: Look at the timeline! Molde seemed satisfied with his performance until vrey recently. It raises questions about the club’s evaluation process. You don’t typically become a significantly worse coach in a matter of weeks, notably right after a contract renewal. It feels arbitrary; perhaps if they had won that penalty shootout in the cup final against Fredrikstad, we might be having an entirely different conversation.
Editor: You referenced that penalty shootout several times. how much of an impact do you think that game had on the board’s decision?
Hansen: In a major way,I beleive! That cup final loss not only stripped the club of a trophy but also means they won’t participate in Europe next season.That’s a huge deal for any club. But it’s crucial to remember that one game shouldn’t define the larger coaching tenure. Losses happen, and the circumstances around them often point to deeper issues than just the coach’s capabilities.
Editor: So, in your opinion, was this decision primarily a reaction to the final outcome?
Hansen: Exactly! If they had won, I genuinely believe Erling would still be in charge. This sudden shift suggests a lack of stability and direction at the club. It’s strange that a few penalty kicks could lead to such a drastic change.
Editor: You also said there might be behind-the-scenes factors we aren’t aware of. What do you think could be at play?
Hansen: It’s pure speculation on my part, but clubs do have internal dynamics that can influence such decisions. Maybe there were disagreements between Moe and the board or tensions within the team. I bet Erling feels the weight of this situation and finds it as puzzling as we do.
Editor: Lastly, what should Molde Football Club consider moving forward? What can they learn from this experience?
Hansen: Stability is key. They need to reflect on their decision-making processes and ensure that they have a clear vision for their coaching staff. When you make such a significant choice,like extending a contract to a coach,you need to have the confidence in that decision and back it up. A well-defined plan would help minimize knee-jerk reactions in the future.
Editor: Wise words,Vegard. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. The situation at Molde is certainly a topic of discussion, and your expertise has shed light on the complexities involved.
Hansen: Thank you! It’s my pleasure to discuss these significant matters in Norwegian football. Let’s hope we see more thoughtful decision-making in the future!