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Norwegian football is undergoing a meaningful shift in personnel preferences, leaving experienced coaches like Lars Bohinen questioning their place in the modern game. The former national team player, recently without a club after resigning from Jerv in June, revealed he turned down a job offer shortly after his departure, deeming it “not particularly relevant.” Bohinen, 56, expresses a growing concern that clubs are prioritizing novelty over proven track records.
The “Recycling” Concern & Shifting Priorities
Bohinen admits the job market has been surprisingly quiet. He attributes this to a perceived trend within Norwegian football – a belief that coaches from his generation have been “recycled back into the system” too many times. “I feel that the clubs will find something new,” he told nettavisen, suggesting a preference for fresh faces. This sentiment extends beyond simply finding new individuals; it reflects a broader shift in how clubs evaluate potential hires.
According to Bohinen, clubs are increasingly drawn to candidates who represent something “exciting,” even if it means overlooking established CVs and demonstrable results. “Often I think club managers think: ‘Oh, no one has thought of him, it’s exciting’,” he explained, adding that this approach isn’t always successful.
The Rise of the Young Manager
The trend towards younger coaches is particularly pronounced across Europe. In england, Brighton is lead by the 32-year-old Fabian Hürzeler, while Rosenborg, in December 2023, appointed Alfred Johansson, then 33, as their manager. This emphasis on youth is not lost on Bohinen, who believes age is becoming a significant factor in hiring decisions.
Though, he cautions against the potential pitfalls of prioritizing youth over experience, particularly at larger clubs. “Managing a big football club today is perhaps not something you should practice, but rather something you have experienced by climbing up the ladder,” he stated. He points to the continued success of veteran managers like Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Pep Guardiola as evidence that experience remains invaluable.
beyond the touchline: Exploring Option Roles
While a return to top-level coaching may prove challenging, Bohinen remains open to other opportunities within the sport.He highlighted his successful stints as a sports director with Vålerenga and Stabæk as potential avenues to explore. “There are also, of course, other jobs in football that can be looked at,” he saeid, acknowledging the need for a period of reflection before making a definitive decision.
The Evolving landscape of Football Leadership
The changing face of football management extends beyond age. Bohinen notes a growing emphasis on academic qualifications, with a rising number of coaches holding master’s degrees from institutions in countries like Portugal. While acknowledging the value of a more academic approach, he stresses the importance of practical experience.
“Having the experience is important,” he asserted. He believes that a player’s background provides crucial insight into the dynamics of a team and the intricacies of the game. Bohinen emphasized that leading a large team requires a unique skillset,one that extends beyond tactical knowledge to encompass effective leadership and group management. “Today’s coaching education focuses mostly on being a leader, not just a football coach,” he explained.
Bohinen’s own extensive playing career – encompassing clubs like Lyn, Vålerenga, Viking, and stints in England and Switzerland – underscores the value of this lived experience.As he navigates this evolving landscape, he remains pragmatic, acknowledging that securing a new top coaching job won’t be immediate, but remains optimistic about finding a fulfilling role within the sport he loves.
