Yet somehow, Bodo/Glimt, an obscure team from the far reaches of Norway’s Arctic Circle, is the name on every football hipster’s lips. They seem to be on an impressive run through the UEFA Europa League. Widely regarded as the biggest underdogs in European football, Bodo/Glimt has not only advanced to the semifinals but has demonstrated an innovative approach to training and team dynamics that sets them apart.
Bodo/Glimt, led by the direction of manager Kjetil Knutsen, have soared to heights never before seen this season. With a semifinals matchup against local archrivals and fellow England side Tottenham Hotspur, it’s the club’s farthest-ever advancement into any European tournament. The team’s remarkable performances have included notable victories against FC Porto during the league phase and a stunning upset over Lazio in the quarterfinals, where the first leg took place amidst deep Arctic snow.
Bodo/Glimt’s success over the past years can largely be boiled down to a special brew of conditioning of the mind and keeping the team together. The players are required to participate in meditation before training, a mindfulness practice developed by the team’s mental coach, Morten Mannsverk. When implemented effectively, this practice cultivates a greater level of focus and mental fortitude, qualities that have been truly priceless in dealing with high-pressure scenarios.
Bodo/Glimt has a team huddle, called “The Ring,” every time they give up a goal. All it takes is a brief huddle, but this huddle enables them to correct missteps in real-time and plan for their betterment. This is an important practice that Mannsverk has kicked off. …love outlives fear.” It continues, “It is one of the best ways of caring for each other, to stand together, to say, ‘Hey, s…
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