VfB coach Hoeneß finds Viking Stavanger's double coach model exciting

Two head coaches for one team? Sebastian Hoeneß from VfB Stuttgart finds the model of Champions League opponents Viking Stavanger “exciting”. The Norwegians have been looked after by two equal head coaches since January 2021: Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen. Last season, the duo led the club to its first Norwegian football championship in 34 years.

“It seems to be working,” said Hoeneß appreciatively. Would the model also be an option for him? “I wouldn’t rule it out,” said the 44-year-old with a smile before the premier class opener against Stavanger this Wednesday (6.45 p.m./DAZN). But so far he hasn't given it any thought. “No assistant coach has ever stood on my mat and demanded that we handle it the same way,” he reported.

Bodö/Glimt already caused a sensation

Hoeneß praised Norway's football highly. The national team “really had fun” at the World Cup in the summer, he said. Star striker Erling Haaland from Manchester City is not the only “world-class player” from the Scandinavians. Martin Odegaard from Arsenal FC is also one of them. Norway is a “small country that produces many good footballers”. And Stavanger certainly wants to surprise in the same way as FK Bodö/Glimt did recently.

Norway's current league leaders sensationally made it to the round of 16 in the last Champions League season and only failed there at the hands of Sporting Lisbon. For Stavanger, every game in the premier class is a “holiday,” said Hoeneß. In your opinion, would the club be able to compete in the Bundesliga? “For sure,” he said.