Bodo/Glimt coach targets control against Union in Champions League clash

As the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League approaches, Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt stands ready to face Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. The match, scheduled for Tuesday at 20:00, presents a stern test for both teams, with Bodo/Glimt arriving in Ostend with momentum from last season’s remarkable European campaign.

Kjetil Knutsen, the Norwegian manager, addressed the press in a sparsely attended room at the KVDO Arena, expressing confidence in his side’s ability to dictate the game’s tempo. “We’re facing a highly skilled opponent,” he stated, acknowledging Union’s physical and direct playing style. “We understand their strengths and weaknesses, but we also have our own identity to uphold. Our plan is clear: we aim to control the match. Playing offensively is ingrained in our approach, whether at home or away. We won’t settle for defending for 95 minutes.”

This isn’t the first time the two sides have met. Their last clash occurred in October 2024 during the Europa League group stage, ending in a goalless draw at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. Knutsen, who has led Bodo/Glimt since early 2018, reflected on that encounter but emphasized how Union has evolved since then.

“A few players remain from that match, but the team has transformed,” he noted. “They integrate new talent seamlessly, develop them, and often sell them at a profit—similar to our philosophy. While neither side boasts the largest squad in Europe, both have grown over the years. In Belgium, Union is among the top two teams alongside Club Bruges, and they’ve built something special.”