Kaare Ingebrigtsen

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I think he deserves his own topic after last season's success.

[2mas]

Less than 24 hours after securing a Champions League second qualifying round rematch with Celtic, Rosenborg stunned Norwegian football when they sacked head coach Kare Ingebrigsten.

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They are some way short of being the formidable European force they were when they reached the Champions League group stage 11 times in 12 seasons from 1995 to 2007. But their domestic dominance had been restored since Ingebrigtsen’s arrival four years ago.

The style of play and level of some of Rosenborg’s performances this year had attracted criticism, however, and chairman Ivar Koteng decided a change was needed.

“After considering this for some time, we decided that Kare had to go,” said Koteng at a hastily-convened press conference last night.

“Despite some good results, we feel the development of the club has not been good enough. We want to take advantage of the good financial position we are in and we concluded that Kare had to leave.”

Read more: Rosenborg sack Kare Ingebrigtsen in shock move ahead of Celtic tie

However, in a statement on Friday, Rosenborg's players insisted they "vehemently disagreed" with the move and demanded Ingebrigtsen and Hoftun were reinstated ahead of their showdown with Celtic.

Their request has been refused by the board, though, who have instead placed academy coach Rini Collent in temporary charge.

The press release read: "We vehemently disagree with the board's decision to sack Kåre (Ingebrigtsen) and Erik (Hoftun).

"The whole group was behind the training team until the end, and the group believes they were and would be best suited to further development.

"As a group we asked the board to reinstate Kåre and Erik, but they refused.

Read more: Rosenborg players revolt over sacking before Celtic tie

Riseth, who played for both clubs, was left in shock at the unexpected development and admits it’s a nightmare for the Norwegians.

He told SunSport: “My phone started to go crazy in the late afternoon and I couldn’t believe the news.

“I am in shock. This doesn’t happen with Rosenborg and it’s obviously not the best preparation for the team.

“Kare still had a chance of winning two trophies and progressing in Europe, so nobody expected this.”

Read more: Ex-Celtic ace Vidar Riseth left stunned at Kare Ingebrigtsen’s Rosenborg departure and admits it’s a nightmare for the Norwegians

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The club has been heavily criticised by the own country’s coaches association which has added their voice to the debate and demanded Rosenborg reinstate Ingebrigtsen.

Chief executive Teddy Moen said:

“This is not the way you dismiss a coach. The board’s decision came as a complete surprise to the coaches – they were completely shocked. They didn’t see it coming. No one did.

“Coaches must be part of the process if they are to be dismissed – they must be informed because they are the most important people at the club.

“The process was fundamentally wrong and we call on Rosenborg to reverse the decision.

“They were sacked without any degree of humility or respect. There has to be honesty and there hasn’t been in this case.”

Read more: Rosenborg's managerial mayhem is worthy of Scottish football