– It’s sad that a big club like Lillestrøm is playing in the OBOS league.
That’s what LSK coach, Dag-Eilev Fagermo, says after Sunday’s 2–5 loss to Bodø/Glimt.
RELEGATION: The Canaries will not be seen in the Eliteserien next season. Here from the home match against Sandefjord. Photo: Christoffer Andersen / NTB
Fagermo has led Lillestrøm in six matches. He has won one match and lost five.
– I will be with Lillestrøm at least until Monday, and then it will probably be a break, says Fagermo about future plans.
– Is there an appeal in going down to the OBOS league to rebuild this team again?
– if I am to be a coach, I want to coach a club that I know I can lead to the top of Norwegian football again, as I did with Odd and Vålerenga. If not, I’m not interested, says Fagermo.
– Do you doubt that you can achieve that with lillestrøm?
– I’m not saying that, but the things I believe Lillestrøm should improve, I have told the management, says Fagermo.
– Not in my wildest dreams
TV 2 expert Jesper Mathisen cannot imagine that the coaching profile will remain in Romerike.
– I cannot, in my wildest dreams, see them working together again. What we have seen this autumn has not been notable. It’s not solely his fault. He came into a club that has been a chaotic little hornet’s nest, says Mathisen.
– the club needs to chart a new course. It is indeed a demand from everyone around the club. Now it’s about finding a coach who can provide renewed hope.It is a very exciting opportunity in a large and proud club. It remains to be seen who will get the job.
– The potential is here
Fagermo points out that unlike when he took over the job, and they had too many players, they now barely manage to field a team.
– There is somthing fundamentally wrong with the competency culture in sports that has led us to where we are, says Fagermo.
TV 2 expert Mathisen fully agrees.
– Over a longer period, the club has been poorly managed in several areas. Now they have a squad that needs significant restructuring. There are many good football players there, but in terms of age and composition, things need to change.
– To get relegated with that squad is some of the most embarrassing we have seen in the Eliteserien for many years,believes Mathisen.
Even though it has been a tough year for LSK, Fagermo believes there are things to build upon.
– The potential is here, but there hasn’t been a medal in Lillestrøm for over 20 years, so something needs to be done to unlock this potential, says Fagermo and continues:
– I and Lillestrøm were agreed to take this year, and now we did not manage to stay up, so that’s how it is indeed.
Until the next coaching assignment, he has other things to keep him busy.
– I will continue to work as a manager for my talented daughter who sings.
MGP: Anne Fagermo is Dag eilev’s daughter. in 2024, she was in the final of the Melodi Grand Prix. Photo: Ditlev Eidsmo / TV 2
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What factors contributed to Lillestrøm SK’s relegation to the OBOS league this season?
Interview: The Future of Lillestrøm SK
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our chat today! With the recent relegation of Lillestrøm SK to the OBOS league,we’re excited to welcome football expert jesper Mathisen,who has closely followed the team’s journey this season. Jesper, thanks for joining us.
Jesper Mathisen: thank you for having me! It’s certainly been a dramatic season for Lillestrøm.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Following their staggering 2–5 loss to Bodø/Glimt, coach Dag-Eilev Fagermo expressed his sorrow about the club’s current situation. In your view, what does this mean for a club of Lillestrøm’s stature?
Jesper Mathisen: It’s quite disheartening, especially considering Lillestrøm’s rich history in Norwegian football. A club with such a legacy should be competing at the highest level,not fighting relegation. Their fall to the OBOS league feels like a big loss not just for the club, but for Norwegian football as a whole.
Time.news editor: Fagermo has been at the helm for six matches now with only one win. He mentioned that he would remain with the team for at least a few more days. What do you think the future holds for him?
Jesper Mathisen: Fagermo has a strong background with accomplished clubs like Odd and Vålerenga. However, his current stint at Lillestrøm has certainly been rocky. I can’t really envision him remaining in charge for much longer, given the trends we’ve seen. The chemistry between him and the management seems to be strained, and it may be time for a change.
Time.news Editor: He did hint at wanting to coach a club he believes he could lead back to the top of Norwegian football. Do you think there’s still potential for that with Lillestrøm?
Jesper Mathisen: That’s a complicated question. On one hand, Fagermo’s ambitions are admirable.However, I share his doubts about whether he can turn Lillestrøm around. It requires a significant overhaul, and the current management may not align with his vision. He’s stated he’s expressed what needs to improve, but whether that’s acted upon remains to be seen.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the management previously. Given what’s transpired this season, do you see the management circling the wagons to support fagermo, or do you anticipate significant changes on the horizon?
Jesper mathisen: I think it’s going to be challenging for them to continue as thay are. The fans are restless, and the recent performance hasn’t inspired much confidence. If the management doesn’t take decisive action soon, we might see both Fagermo and possibly other key figures depart as they try to reset and rebuild.
Time.news Editor: With Lillestrøm now in the OBOS league, what kind of strategies should they consider to rebuild and potentially make a swift return to the Eliteserien?
Jesper Mathisen: First and foremost, they need to invest wisely in talent who not only have skills but can adapt to the team dynamics. Youth growth will be crucial, too; they need to harness local talent and foster a winning mentality within the club. Hiring a coach with a proven track record for rebuilding teams would be beneficial. This is a pivotal moment for the club, and they need to tread carefully to ensure they don’t slip further down.
Time.news Editor: That makes a lot of sense. As we wrap up, what message would you give to Lillestrøm fans right now?
Jesper Mathisen: Patience and resilience. Relegation is tough, but it can be a catalyst for change. Fans should stand by their team and hope that the management makes the right decisions for a brighter future. Rebuilding can be a rewarding journey if approached with the right mindset.
Time.news Editor: Well said, Jesper. Thank you for your insights today. It seems the road ahead for Lillestrøm is filled with challenges,but with the right moves,they could find their way back to the top.
Jesper Mathisen: Thank you! It will certainly be an engaging journey to follow.