When José Mourinho speaks, the football world listens closely. Sometimes, that attention comes with a retort. Such was the case after Benfica’s tight 1-0 loss to Chelsea, when the ‘Special One’ offered a blunt assessment of young Andreas Schjelderup’s performance. His sharp review of the player’s display didn’t stay confined to the stadium’s press area. It traveled north, all the way to Norway, where it caught the ear of national team coach Stale Solbakken.
Solbakken, who had just called Schjelderup up for Norway’s upcoming international matches, found himself drawn into the discussion. Mourinho had been clear about his young forward. “Schjelderup is Schjelderup,” he began, speaking from London. The Portuguese coach felt the player struggled to maintain energy for a full 90 minutes. He specifically noted issues with intensity and the sacrifice needed for defensive transitions. Yet, Mourinho also acknowledged the reason for Schjelderup’s inclusion: “He’s a ball-at-his-feet player, and that’s what we wanted, which is why he started.”
Solbakken, however, offered a thoughtful, yet pointed, counter-argument. He agreed with some of Mourinho’s observations. “I agree with much of what Mourinho says,” Solbakken noted. But the Norwegian coach quickly added a crucial detail. He believes a player’s inability to last 90 minutes often comes from a lack of opportunity to do so. “It also has to do with the fact that he never plays 90 minutes,” Solbakken argued.
The national team coach placed the responsibility firmly on the club’s shoulders. “Therefore, it’s the club coach’s responsibility to give him those 90 minutes; then it will be easier.” Solbakken even laid down a clear truth about player development. “If he never plays 90 minutes, he will never become a 90-minute player. I think Mourinho also knows this,” he stated. Schjelderup now has a chance to prove his staying power on the international stage. He is set to play for Norway against Israel on October 11 in a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup. A friendly match against New Zealand follows on October 14.