Norway midfielder Patrick Berg says his team must respond to successive defeats when they face Portugal in the UEFA Nations League in Porto on Sunday evening local time.
Norway’s latest loss came against Wales and followed another defeat, leaving the team with an immediate need to recover. Berg said the players understood that their performance had fallen well below their own standards, but insisted there was no panic within the squad.
“We are not panicking, but we need to make some adjustments. I think it’s important to admit that the performance in that game was not good, and it was not the performance we wanted to be recognized for,” said Berg at the pre-match press conference.
“At the same time, we cannot completely lose ourselves. We have been performing very well for a very long time. We cannot forget that. We completely agree with you and everyone else that it was not our best performance. We should demand more from ourselves.”
Berg offers support to Nyland
Berg also defended goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, who has come under scrutiny after a series of mistakes.
Norwegian media reports have confirmed that Nyland will be on the bench against Portugal, with Egil Selvik expected to start in goal.
However, Berg said Nyland continued to have the confidence of his team-mates and urged them not to overlook his previous performances for Norway.
“Of course, football can sometimes be very cruel. The goalkeeper position is particularly susceptible in this regard,” Berg said.
“We cannot forget how many excellent contributions Nyland has made to the Norwegian team. As I said, we have great trust in him and in the other goalkeepers. We will support everyone like good friends.”
Norway will be hoping to end their losing run in Portugal, where they face one of the most experienced players in international football.
Berg praises Ronaldo
Asked about Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the Portugal national team training camp, Berg said it was difficult for him to comment but highlighted the forward’s achievements throughout his career.
“It’s hard to say, but the whole world knows his career and what he has achieved. For me, he is one of the greatest players of all time,” Berg said.
“I respect him, and I also respect the Portuguese team.”
