Nilsen: – It came as a shock to me – Dagbladet.no

(Dagbladet): This morning came the news that Steinar Nilsen finished as Tromsø coach. But Chairman Per Aronsen and CEO Ulf Johansen did not want to comment on the rationale that they dismiss Nilsen.

Nilsen even expressed shock when he was in contact with TV2 earlier today. Later Tuesday, he invited to a press conference at his home in Tromsø:

– I got yesterday was informed that I was finished as a head coach in Tromsø IL. The rationale for it yesterday was that I had the confidence of the board anymore and no more than that. It came as a shock to me, and it’s very hard to get a grasp on. At the same time I’m quite tall in relation to everything that has happened in recent years in TO, says Steinar Nilsen.

– I have nothing to say to the board of Tromsø, and also wish them luck further.

– It’s a difficult day for me, I did not know this would happen.

– Strange

Tromso is second to last in the Premier League, with 17 points. Before them, and the line, situated Start and Mjøndalen, both with 19. Tromsø fell below the line after the controversial 1-1 draw against Sandefjord Sunday.

The circumstances kicks has reaped criticism afterwards. Dagbladet’s commentator, Morten Pedersen, called kicks strange and surprising facing DBTV.

Just before Nilsen’s press conference came Tromsø with a press release in which they try to explain. They say it was done because they wanted to protect the club and Nilsen.

Rationale

– On the basis of the reactions after the press conference, we see that the decision to not its something was wrong because it opens uncertainty and speculation. We apologize for any confusion and speculation heatwave has created, but the board has always had the club’s best in their thoughts, said the press release.

To substantiate their kicks by Steinar Nilsen:

– In advance of the board meeting Monday, the Board was advised in a meeting with representatives from player group that there has been discontent and wear in the squad because of leadership style. This is the main reason why the board has taken the step to deposit Steinar Nilsen. The Board believes that Steinar Nilsen has not got enough out of the current playing group and thus had something done to strengthen the chances of saving the place in the Premier League. We believe that the current squad is good enough that we will be able to renew Soccer contract.