The generation change: the time is now
By Thomas Myren, 28 July 2006, 08:48
Rosenborg still haven't managed buy new players to strengthen the squad, and the now-confused coach situation doesn't improve the work. What about using our own juniors instead?
BEST IN THE COUNTRY: Some of the greatest Norwegian talents are already located in Trondheim, and should be given the chance in the first team squad.
Photo: Thomas Myren
Mikael Antonsson, Karl Svensson and Fredrik Strømstad are among the players RBK have tried - with no luck - to get to Lerkendal. The hunt for new players continues, and the transfer window doesn't close for another month. Nevertheless, it will be hard to convince possible "good buys" that RBK is the right employer when the main coach is out sick. I would have been sceptical myself to go to a club, where a new coach with a new set of ideas might take over in some weeks.
Perfect time As a result of this, I doubt that we manage to strengthen the team this summer. But maybe it really doesn't matter much? The league gold seems to be far away, but luckily, the risk for a relegation also seems very slim. In other words, the perfect time to open the stadion gates for the youngsters that are already in the club!
Arne Erlandsen has had great success of giving 18-, 19- and 20-year olds the chance in IFK Göteborg, and I see no reason that we shouldn't try the same.
The generation change must be completed soon anyway. Riseth, Basma and Berg are all ready to be replaced, and might as well be benched now as later. At the same time, players as Strand and Stensaas are coming very close to the end of their carreers as well.
New first squad members as Hyka, Nordvik, Jamtfall, Mathisen and Skjøsvik have no experience from Norwegian top fotball, but if they ever shall get a chance to play for Rosenborg, it should be now.
Thinking forward The possible long-term reward is larger than the risk - which don't have to be too large. The youngsters will be accompanied by team mates with routine, and the demands placed on the players are no longer very high after the past few years' weak performances.
In the defence, Kvarme, Koppinen and Mathisen could play central, while Nordvik and Dorsin gets the back positions. On the midfield, Skjelbred, Tettey and Hyka should be given most of the playing time. If we are to keep "Maradona of Albania" at all, he must be given ample playing time, according to the strict rules set by the Norwegian Football Assosciation. Skjølsvik, too, should be given a taste of what the top level is all about.
Old star wingers like "Kalle" Løken and "Mini" Jakobsen have for years called for wingers of their own caliber in the club, and maybe Jamtfall jr. is the man. He has impressed in cup games and friendlies, and immediately had an assist when given the chance in the league against Start.
