As Union Saint-Gilloise prepares to face Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round of the Champions League on Tuesday at 20:00, Norwegian manager Kjetil Knutsen has outlined his team’s strategy. Speaking in a nearly empty press room at KVDO Arena in Ostend, he emphasized the importance of dominating possession and dictating play from the outset.
“We recognize our opponents as a formidable side, one that plays with physicality and directness,” Knutsen explained. “We’ve studied their strengths and weaknesses, but we also have our own identity to uphold. Our approach is structured around control and aggression, whether we’re at home or away. We won’t settle for defending for 95 minutes—we aim to dictate the tempo and impose our style.”
Reigning Europa League group stage rivals reunite
The two sides last met in October 2024 during the Europa League group stage, where they played out a goalless draw at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. While Knutsen acknowledges familiarity with Union’s system, he notes significant evolution since then.
“They retain some players from that match, but their overall project has matured,” he said. “They excel at integrating new talent, nurturing development, and eventually transferring players at a premium—just like us. Neither team boasts the financial muscle of Europe’s elite, but both have grown substantially over recent years. In Belgium, Union stands among the elite, alongside Club Bruges, and their progress has been exceptional.”
Norwegian side eyes historic upset
Bodo/Glimt’s recent performances have caught the attention of European football. Last season, they stunned Manchester City and Atlético Madrid during the group stages, proving their capability to compete with top-tier opposition. Knutsen’s side enters this fixture with confidence, aiming to build on their reputation as a team that thrives under pressure.
“We’re not here to survive—we’re here to impose our game and take the initiative,” he asserted. “Every match is an opportunity to prove ourselves, and we’re fully prepared to face this challenge head-on.”
