Norway expert Fjörtoft warns Salzburg about Bergen's special "spirit"

Jan Aage Fjörtoft has been working as a TV pundit in his native Norway for years. The 58-year-old former striker doesn't necessarily see Austria's runner-up Red Bull Salzburg as favorites in their Champions League qualifying clash with Brann Bergen.

His word is heard: Jan Aage Fjörtoft is a respected TV expert in Norway. APA

Jan Aage Fjörtoft predicts a tough encounter for Red Bull Salzburg in their Champions League qualifying opener on Wednesday (7 p.m., LIVE! on kicker) in Bergen against SK Brann . "In Austria, people might think Salzburg are the clear favorites. But not in my book," assured the former Rapid Vienna player, who also works as a TV pundit in his native Norway. "It wouldn't be a surprise for me if Brann beats Bergen over two games."

The first leg will take place in Norway's second-largest city, with just under 300,000 inhabitants, on the country's fjord-covered southwest coast. Bergen has a very distinct identity and sometimes doesn't even see itself as part of Norway, Fjörtoft said with a laugh. "The Salzburg fans will be surprised by how passionate the fans are. They're always behind the team. It's us against everyone, that's their spirit." Brann Stadium, where the Norwegian runners-up have lost only one competitive match since September, has a capacity of 16,750 fans.

A week and a half ago, the second-placed team defeated league leaders Viking Stavanger 3-1 in the same clash. "It's a great rivalry. The confidence they take from this game is very important," explained Fjörtoft. However, the dress rehearsal on artificial turf at KFUM Oslo ended in a 2-0 defeat. The 58-year-old doesn't see Brann's full rhythm playing in the Norwegian all-season championship as a major advantage, given Salzburg's participation in the Club World Cup. However, Norwegian teams' preparation is always very meticulous. "They analyzed Salzburg 100 percent."

Similar game philosophies

Their playing philosophies are not dissimilar. Brann, under Icelandic coach Freyr Alexandersson (42), who has been in charge since January, also uses a 4-3-3 system to focus on winning the ball. "The most important thing is their clear structure. Their collective pressing is impressive," said Fjörtoft. The former international striker also praised the defensive back four – and especially central defender Eiving Helland. "He's 20 years old and has a huge presence." Fjörtoft named Dane Emil Kornvig in defense and captain Felix Horn Myhre in central midfield as other key players. The latter scored the 1-0 lead in Norway's 2-1 home win against Austria in the Nations League last year.

Two weeks ago, Brann sold its top scorer, Aune Heggebö, to West Brom in the English second division. With a reported €5.5 million transfer fee, the 23-year-old surpassed Austrian Paul Scharner, who joined Wigan at the end of 2005 for around €3.5 million, as the most expensive signing in the club's history. Instead of Heggebö, the 1.73 m tall former international Bard Finne will now be in attack for Salzburg's opponents.

Women's team as a role model

Last year, "Bergens stolthet" (The Pride of Bergen) finished second in the league behind Europa League semifinalist FK Bodö/Glimt. According to Fjörtoft, Brann's women's team, which reached the Champions League quarterfinals in 2024, had a significant influence. "That generated a lot of interest in Bergen. Now the men also want a European adventure."

In general, the women's teams have a positive impact on many men's teams in Norway. Brann, for example, boasts an exceptional talent in Signe Gaupset. The 20-year-old impressed in the recent European Championship match against Iceland (4-3) with two goals and two assists and was also Norway's best player in the quarterfinals defeat to Italy (1-2). Fjörtoft: "She's 20 and plays for Brann Bergen. The men's players also see that it's possible to develop here."

Fjörtoft described the progress in European women's football in light of the ongoing European Championship in Switzerland as "sensational." His assessment: "If women's football were a separate sport, it would be second only to men's football in Norway – and everyone talks about the nation of skiers." Norway was once a major power in women's football, as two-time European champions and the 1995 World Cup winners. However, competition has grown in recent years, with Spain, England, France, and Italy all investing heavily in women's football. There are many good young players around Gaupset, Fjörtoft emphasized. "Therefore, the next thing we need to do in Norway is a generational change."

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