'Arctic giant-killer' Bodo/Glimt wants to upset Postecoglou again! But this time in Tottenham

FK Bodo/Glimt, a club hailing from a small fishing town nestled 200km north of the Arctic Circle, has forged an extraordinary path through this season's UEFA Europa League, earning a reputation as formidable giant-killers. Their remarkable journey culminates in a semi-final showdown against Tottenham Hotspur, with the Norwegian side set to visit London for the first leg. This achievement is historic, marking the first time a men's team from Norway has reached the last four of a major European competition.

Considering that less than a decade ago, Bodo/Glimt was battling in the Norwegian second division, their ascent to the European semi-finals is nothing short of phenomenal. Their success is built on a compelling record in knockout ties, having emerged victorious in eight of their last ten two-legged contests on the continental stage. This consistent ability to overcome opponents is central to their identity as giant-killers who have "swept aside bigger teams throughout Europe."

Among their most memorable conquests is the stunning 6-1 demolition of Jose Mourinho's AS Roma in 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage game. (It is interesting that Roma finished mentioned debut season of UEFA Europa Conference League as winners of the original title.) That result was a significant shock, representing a joint-biggest defeat in Mourinho's extensive managerial career and the first time one of his teams had conceded six goals in over 1,000 matches. Bodo/Glimt also holds a notable victory over a side previously managed by their current opponent's boss. In the same season on knockout round play-offs they decisively eliminated Celtic led by Ange Postecoglou, defeating them 5-1 on aggregate across two legs, showcasing their ability to get "the better of Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou before."

This season's impressive run to the Europa League semi-finals has further cemented their giant-killing status with a series of "eye-catching results," including victories over prominent European clubs such as Beşiktaş, Porto, Twente, Olympiakos, and Lazio. Reaching the last four alongside teams like Tottenham, Manchester United, and Athletic Club highlights the scale of their achievement.

The unique geographical isolation of Bodo, a town with a population smaller than the capacity of Tottenham's stadium, has arguably fostered a strong community bond that translates onto the pitch. Players are often seen interacting with residents, contributing to a "family" feel within the club. This strong connection between the team and its supporters, known for their distinctive giant yellow toothbrushes, fuels their underdog spirit.

Former fighter pilot as a mentality coach!

A pivotal figure in Bodo/Glimt's transformation has been manager Kjetil Knutsen, appointed in 2017. Along with performance and mentality coach Bjorn Mannsverk, a former fighter pilot with experience in resilience, Knutsen has implemented a distinctive "Bodo model." This model emphasizes an identity-based, intense, possession-oriented attacking style, focusing on energy, collective work, and mental strength.

Mannsverk's influence is seen in practices like the "Bodo/Glimt Ring," where players huddle after conceding to maintain composure. This strategic and mental overhaul led to domestic dominance, with Bodo/Glimt winning their first league title in 2020 and securing three more in the subsequent four seasons, enabling them to approach European competition with an ambition to truly compete.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has expressed appropriate respect for Bodo/Glimt, recognizing them as a "good football team" that has "earned the right to be there" in the semi-finals, regardless of the size disparity between the clubs.

As they visit Tottenham for the first leg, Bodo/Glimt maintains belief in their ability to continue making history. They also hope to leverage the challenging conditions at their home ground in the return leg – including cold weather, wind, and artificial turf – as a potential advantage against visiting teams, despite acknowledging they might not be seen as the "most sexy team to meet." Bodo/Glimt's story is one of defying expectations and consistently taking down bigger opponents, a narrative they aim to extend in the Europa League semi-finals.