Viking's Remarkable Rise: From Second Tier to Champions League Contenders
Viking's recent clash with Bayern Munich has turned heads across Europe. Eirik Bjorno, the club's chief executive, reflects on that unforgettable first goal. "That was the moment," he shares with Sky Sports. "We were bracing for pressure, expecting to defend, and then we scored from our very first corner."
Sporting director Erik Nevland, who once wore the Manchester United jersey, has a different favorite moment from the match. "You might score early, but that second goal was something we never dared to dream about. It was surreal, a night that will be etched in history."
The third goal sealed the deal. Despite Bayern's initial comeback, Viking capitalized on a red card for Michael Olise, leading to a dramatic draw in Stavanger. "This was the biggest game in our club's history," Bjorno emphasizes. "The key takeaway is that we proved we can compete at this level."
The upset didn’t sit well with Bayern’s Max Eberl, who lashed out at Viking’s captain Zlatko Tripic, calling him a "scumbag." Nevland chuckles at the remark, saying, "But he’s our scumbag. We love him."
Nevland’s enthusiasm for this moment is deeply rooted in his past. He joined Viking as a young player before moving to Manchester United and later Fulham. But his heart remains with Viking. "I’ve dreamed of this since I was five," he admits. "Winning the league and now representing Viking in the Champions League is everything to me. It’s the proudest moment of my life."
That pride is underscored by Viking's incredible turnaround. Just eight years ago, they hit rock bottom, languishing in the second tier. Bjorno recalls a particularly painful 5-0 defeat to Nest-Sotra. "That club doesn’t even exist anymore," he notes, highlighting the absurdity of their past struggles. In June 2018, a mere 274 fans witnessed that disaster.
"That was our absolute low point," Bjorno confirms. "We thought we were stuck, but then we made a comeback and got promoted by just one point."
The question on everyone’s lips: how did they achieve this transformation? Nevland offers a blunt assessment of their former struggles. "We had to accept that we were bad. Change was necessary."
Bjorno attributes part of the success to broader improvements in Norwegian football. "The federation has prioritized player development," he explains. Yet, the question remains why Viking has capitalized on these changes more effectively than others.
Nevland provides a localized perspective. "We focus on nurturing our academy and homegrown talent. Our leadership is filled with individuals who are deeply passionate about the club and the community."
Having dedicated individuals in key positions is crucial for success, Nevland believes. "This is their biggest job, and that dedication fosters continuity. Players may come and go, but our culture remains strong."
Looking ahead, Viking faces a significant challenge as they prepare to take on Aston Villa in the Champions League.
The club’s joint-coaching system exemplifies their commitment to innovation and stability. Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen, both former players, lead the team together. "We had to consider what’s best for Viking, regardless of conventional wisdom," Bjorno states. "We genuinely believed this would make us stronger."
Nevland sees their unique approach as a strength. "It was a bold gamble, but we were convinced we had to differentiate ourselves. It worked, and now we can’t imagine doing it any other way."
Maintaining this success won’t be easy, but Viking is also thriving domestically. They’re locked in a fierce title race with Bodo/Glimt, both teams even on points with just seven matches left in the season.
In smaller leagues, the financial divide can be daunting, with only one club reaping the Champions League rewards. However, with both Viking and Bodo/Glimt in the competition this season, a new dynamic might emerge in Norwegian football.
"Financially, this changes everything for us," Nevland notes. "It provides a solid foundation, more security, and the chance to attract different kinds of players."
