Arsenal legend Ian Wright does not spare his criticism of Martin Sjögren. In an interview with TV 2 he slaughtered the priority of the national team manager.

Sjögren said he had not read Wright’s statement, but at the same time indicated that he could not relate to the criticism.

– I try to prepare the team as best I can. When that kind of thing comes from an outsider, who has no insight into what we do, then I can’t relate to that. I always do what we think will be best, Sjögren told NRK during a press conference on Thursday.

The choice of 4-4-2 as a formation and using players out of position is what Wright is most concerned with.

– Graham Hansen is one of the best right-wingers in the world, but plays as a tyrant. Guro Reiten, another world class player, plays a deeper role in midfield. Ada (Hegerberg) is being isolated, he told the channel.

Wright also indicated that he would place Norway among the best teams in the European Championship, if not for Sjögren.

– The problem is that the coach is not tactically and analytically good enough.

Wanted for a long time

Sjögren insists that he has not received criticism from the England striker legend.

– I don’t understand what he’s saying. So it’s impossible to answer. As I said after the game that it’s going to be a tough situation out there. And it will be difficult for the players, I feel for the players that are out there.

Wright is not the only one calling for change in Norway. Already in April, NRK football expert Carl-Erik Torp called for action from the coaching staff.

– It’s time to take advantage of Caroline Graham Hansen where she is at her best. That would make Norway – and Ada Hegerberg – even more dangerous, Torp wrote in April and pointed out that Hansen has often played in midfield for Norway while playing on the edge at Barcelona.

Battle of Fate

The national team manager said they had now forgotten about England’s defeat and had their full focus on the Austria game on Friday.

– It’s history now and it’s about learning from what went wrong. This is probably the toughest situation to study.

Norway must beat Austria to keep the dream of the quarter-finals alive. Although Norway should be considered as favourites, Sjögren will definitely be a tough match.

– In our current situation, I do not judge who is the favorite in this match. It’s up to us to win that battle. That is the attitude we must take. “We know that we will meet a good team,” said Sjögren.

He is supported by Ada Hegerberg who is most focused on revenge for the defeat against England.

– This is what we practice – the big moment. Sometimes you have to keep it so simple that it’s only about one thing, effort. And we have to show it tomorrow, Hegerberg said.