Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb came under intense scrutiny this week as Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken delivered a harsh assessment of his performance in a 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand. Despite Norway’s strong World Cup qualifying campaign, Bobb’s display drew rare public criticism, putting a spotlight on the young star’s consistency at the international level.
Norway’s Impressive Qualifying Form Overshadowed by Bobb’s Struggles
Norway continued their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying with a dominant 5-0 win over Israel, remaining top of Group I with a perfect record. Erling Haaland led the charge with a clinical hat-trick, extending Norway’s goal difference to a remarkable +26 after just six matches.
Oscar Bobb earned his 13th cap in that victory, but the mood shifted dramatically just days later following a flat team performance against New Zealand in a friendly.
Haaland’s Teasing and Solbakken’s Scathing Review
A training ground video surfaced earlier in the week showing Haaland poking fun at Bobb’s sluggish movement, calling out, “Oscar. Oscar. Oscar, please can’t you start running?” While seemingly light-hearted, the clip hinted at concerns that came to light during the New Zealand match.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken didn’t hold back post-match, delivering a withering critique of Bobb’s showing.
“He was very poor in the first half. He is lacking everything,” Solbakken told Norwegian outlet VG. “He takes too long with the ball, positions himself strangely, and doesn’t press well.”
The coach went on to describe the performance as Bobb’s weakest in national colors, bluntly adding, “The second half was the next weakest.”
Coach Offers Perspective, Bobb Accepts Criticism
Despite the brutal honesty, Solbakken clarified that the subpar outing wasn’t typical of Bobb’s recent form.
“I’m not wasting any energy on that,” he said. “He has performed very, very well in almost every game, both further up the pitch and out wide. It’s not a concern.”
Bobb, to his credit, took the feedback in stride, agreeing with his coach’s evaluation.
“It’s a fair assessment,” the 22-year-old admitted.
Haaland Sidelined, Focused on Form and Family Life
While Bobb struggled, Norway were without their talisman Haaland for the New Zealand game. The striker was rested alongside other players dealing with congested schedules.
Before leaving the camp, Haaland was asked about Norway’s World Cup prospects but kept his response measured.
“I don’t think I’ll say too much about that. I’m just focused on winning the next match.”
The Manchester City forward has already netted 21 goals for club and country this season and credits his recent form to both preparation and life balance.
“To be honest, I think with a kid, it makes me even better, because I actually disconnect more than ever,” Haaland revealed.
What’s Next for Bobb and Norway?
As Norway continue their charge toward World Cup qualification, all eyes will be on how Bobb responds to this high-profile critique. At just 22, he remains a promising talent with plenty of time to grow—and with Solbakken’s support still intact, this may simply be a bump in an otherwise upward trajectory.
