Norway’s coach warns Schjelderup: He needs to change clubs

By Samuel On Jan 17, 2026

Solbakken admits that the winger’s situation at Benfica is “precarious”.

Norway’s national team coach, Stale Solbakken, has once again addressed Andreas Schjelderup’s situation at Benfica and was clear about the young international’s future, arguing that the solution lies in a change of club. In statements to the Norwegian website NRK , the coach admitted that the winger is going through a delicate moment at Benfica.

Schjelderup is in a difficult situation, it’s precarious, and I hope they find a solution, said Solbakken regarding the player’s limited playing time at Benfica.

The coach’s message was even more direct when he spoke about the short term.

“Schjelderup needs to change clubs,” he said.

The issue revives the controversy from last October, when Solbakken was involved in the most tense moment with José Mourinho, Benfica’s coach, by publicly questioning the player’s management and lack of playing time , words that did not sit well with the Portuguese coach and generated a rare verbal tug-of-war between the national team and the club.

In the same context, Solbakken also referred to Ørjan Nyland, the Sevilla goalkeeper, stating that he “has to leave” to play regularly again, unlike Oscar Bobb of Manchester City, in whom he expressed confidence.

“We have an excellent dialogue with Manchester City. Pep [Guardiola] has been very honest and constructive with us and I believe they will resolve the situation together,” he said.

It’s worth remembering that Schjelderup has already played 22 games for Benfica this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

Norway's coach warns Schjelderup