Bodo/Glimt's coach Kjetil Knutsen says the defeat in the Europa League semi-final against Spurs last season was a wake-up call for the Norwegian outfit, who subsequently changed their approach in a number of areas. Tuesday night, the two sides clash again at the Aspmyra Stadium on Matchday Two of the Champions League.
After the match in May, Knutsen reflected on the challenges his team faced in the two matches where they lost 5-1 on aggregate to see Spurs rob them of a chance to reach the Europa League final.
“We were tactically outclassed. They manage to strangle our free play with their pressing game. They never allowed us to settle into a rhythm. Physically, they were levels above us, and they took out the pace of the game when they needed to. We never got into any of the two matches. It was a wake-up call for us."
The experience against the English team meant that Glimt had to alter their approach. The general course was in no way to be changed but for the next step to be taken, some small steps had to be taken.
"During a period where we had difficulties combining two competitions, we neglected the simple and basic aspects of training and culture. We have raised the bar throughout the summer. Then it has become a snowball that has started rolling, and it just goes faster and faster", says prolific midfielder Ulrik Saltnes. Statistics now underline that the Norwegian outfit are able to dominate their opponents and kill them off to a greater degree.
In the Eliteserien, the number of touches in the opponent's box has increased by over 10 per match. There are 300 touches inside the opponent's box more per season.
"We grabbed hold of each other right after the Tottenham match, where we felt that the training culture had faded a little. Since then, we have worked hard and well over time", says Glimt captain Patrick Berg.
"The Tottenham game was an eye-opener for us. My experience is that it is easier to reach a level when you have felt it on your body. We were not close, and it was surprising to us."
The Glimt players point to two things that have improved since then:
Firstly, they have had even more focus on physical training daily and now have some form of strength training almost every day. And secondly, the physical aspect has again made it possible to press even more intensively, which means that the opponents have even less time with the ball.
"We have done a lot tactically in terms of how to stifle opponents and have an attacking expression in the defensive game. We have come a long way there. It's primarily about recovery, that you don't take that extra half second to run back", says Jens Petter Hauge.
Knutsen points out that the context for this meeting with Tottenham is different. Last time, Spurs put everything aside to focus on the Europa League, which was their last chance to qualify for next season's European club competitions. Now, in the same way as Glimt, they are embarking on a hectic league season, where every point counts.
"I am very excited about what we have learned after the last match. I think we are completely dependent on producing a football match where we are at our best", says Knutsen.
The match against Tottenham will be played at the Aspmyra stadium and is set to start at 21.00 CET.