A pilot's psychological tactics propel modest Bodø/Glimt into Europa League semifinals.
Revamped Version:
From Obscurity to Greatness: The Remarkable Rise of Bodø/Glimt in European Football
The jaw-dropping rise of Bodø/Glimt, a Norwegian team from a small fishing town north of the Arctic Circle, sparked curiosity in European football. Behind their triumphant story lies Bjørn Mannsverk, a combat pilot who paved the road to success with his unique mental approaches.
In late 2016, club officials enlisted Mannsverk as their "mental coach" when Bodø/Glimt teetered on the brink of relegation to Norway's second division. His mission was simple: to foster open conversations about emotions, reduce stress, alter attitudes, and challenge traditional training routines.
The squad's transformation—from a struggling second-division team to multiple-time league champions—was nothing short of astounding. Since returning to the top division in 2018, Bodø/Glimt has dominated Norwegian football, taking home four league titles in five years. They even made history by securing their first-ever title in 2020, their centennial season.
In Europe, they've left an indelible mark as well. Over the past few seasons, Bodø/Glimt clinched notable victories, trouncing Roma 6-1 in the 2021 Conference League and becoming the first Norwegian club to reach the semifinals of a prestigious European competition.
Thursday will bring their most significant encounter yet: the first leg against Tottenham in the Europa League. This match stands as the pinnacle of Bodø/Glimt's journey.
"It's a magical, almost unreal story," Mannsverk reflected in an interview. "Going from Norway's second division in 2017 to playing against top-tier teams like Arsenal in a few years—it's almost impossible. But if you've got the right mindset and work hard for it, who knows what can happen?"
The Power of Meditation and Mannsverk's Mantra
As an active air force pilot for over 20 years, Mannsverk and his squadron members were subjects of a mental training project in 2010, focusing on meditation and repetition. This training equipped them with mental fortitude to perform dangerous missions, as evidenced by their squadron's mantra—"train as you fight."
Strikingly, this same approach has proven successful for Bodø/Glimt. The team's players now meditate and share mantras, creating a culture of focus and inner strength.
The Bodø/Glimt Ring and Leadership
Mannsverk's influence is palpable throughout the team's dynamics. The players gather in a circle, a tradition Mannsverk named the "Bodø/Glimt Ring," after conceding a goal to discuss their lapses and reaffirm solidarity. Players embrace the ethos of being the best versions of themselves, without specific objectives beyond personal growth.
Midfielder Ulrik Saltnes once considered retirement due to stress-related concerns worsening as matches approached. Saltnes confided in Mannsverk and discovered a solution to his ailments.
Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou, who has faced Bodø/Glimt twice before, acknowledged their mental fortitude when discussing their strengths. "They have a very clear identity in how they play," the Australian coach noted. "The mental resilience they've built regardless of their opponents is evident."
Embracing Winter in Bodø
This season's Europa League run has brought Bodø/Glimt widespread attention, particularly for their location. Their Aspmyra stadium, located at 67 degrees north latitude, challenges opponents with long, dark winters that offer less than an hour of sunlight per day.
Supplements are key for players to combat the lack of sunlight, and bitter cold and windy conditions can make travel difficult for visiting teams.
Despite their disadvantages, Bodø's resilience stands strong. As they prepare to face Tottenham, one of the world's richest clubs, they aim to make history once more.
"We love to share our story," Mannsverk declared. "The philosophy we've built is something positive. We know it's challenging in football, with all the money involved, to give a coach or a team time. But it takes time to change and build a resilient mindset. This wasn't done overnight, but I'm completely convinced it will work almost anywhere."
- The average fan of Bodø/Glimt, a Norwegian team renowned in European football, might not have predicted their meteoric rise from the brink of relegation to multiple league championships in just a few years.
- Meanwhile, in the realms of health-and-wellness and mental-health, Bjørn Mannsverk, once a combat pilot, has applied his unique mental training strategies to improve not only the performance of Bodø/Glimt players but also their mental fortitude.
- While many teams in European football are backed by significant financial resources, Bodø/Glimt's success serves as a testament to the power of leadership and a resilient mindset, key aspects of their business approach.
- In the realm of sports, especially football, Bodø/Glimt's journey from Norway's second division to facing teams like Tottenham in the Europa League is an outstanding example of triumph over adversity.
- Within the European leagues, particularly the Premier League, Bodø/Glimt has made its mark by securing notable victories and becoming the first Norwegian club to reach the semifinals of prestigious European competitions.
