Berge with Norway farewell – draw against Spain
Norway led 22-17, but messed up the lead. Berge’s team had earlier this week suffered a clear defeat against both Denmark and France.
Berge has taken over as coach for hard-working Kolstad.
It is unclear who will be the new Norwegian national team manager, but the Norwegian Handball Association has plans for the appointment to be made by June. Kristian Kjelling has been pointed out by many as a hot name.
Berge took over responsibility for Norway in the spring of 2014. Berge led Norway to two final losses in the WC (2017 and 2019) and a European Championship bronze in 2020.
But the last two years the national team did not perform at its best level. There were no semi-final games in the World Cup, Olympics and European Championships.
Berge’s championship farewell was 5th place in the European Championship in January. After that, there was speculation about what would happen next with him. Kolstad’s major investment made it seem obvious that Berge should choose to take the coaching job there.
He wanted to combine it with leading the national team. The handball association said no to that.
The last four Norwegian national team managers:
* Berge (2014–2022)
* Hedin (2008–14)
* Gunnar Pettersen (2001–08)
* Christer Magnusson (1998–2001)
(© NTB)