Norway manager Ståle Solbakken didn’t mince his words when assessing Oscar Bobb’s latest international display — admitting the Manchester City midfielder “was lacking everything” in Tuesday’s friendly against New Zealand.
The 22-year-old started wide in Norway’s 5-0 World Cup qualifier win over Israel last week, impressing with his energy and link-up play. But Solbakken shifted him into a central role for the following friendly, a decision that backfired badly as Bobb struggled to influence the game.
Solbakken: “He was very poor in the first half”
Speaking after the draw, Solbakken told reporters — as relayed by VG — that Bobb’s performance was his worst in a Norway shirt.
“He was very poor in the first half,” Solbakken said. “He is lacking everything. He takes too long with the ball, positions himself strangely and doesn’t press well. He’s done that in training and been very good at it.” — Ståle Solbakken, post-match press conference
The coach added with brutal honesty: “If you ask Oscar, I think he’ll say that the first half was his weakest performance for the national team. The second half was the next weakest.”
Despite the criticism, Solbakken allowed the City man to play the full 90 minutes — a clear sign he still trusts the youngster’s ability to learn on the pitch.
Bobb accepts the verdict and looks to respond
After the match, Bobb didn’t argue with his manager’s remarks. The midfielder admitted Solbakken’s comments were a “fair assessment”, acknowledging that he must improve decision-making and pressing.
Bobb missed much of last season with a foot injury but has since regained fitness and featured eight times for Manchester City in 2025/26, mostly as a substitute. His sharpness is gradually returning, yet the Norway display suggests he’s not back to his best just yet.
| Stat (2025/26) | Oscar Bobb |
|---|---|
| Club Appearances | 8 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 312 |
source: sofascore match data – 15 October 2025
The data underline that Bobb is still being eased back into action at City after his injury lay-off. His minutes remain limited under Pep Guardiola, but his creativity and work rate continue to earn him squad involvement.
Analyst verdict – lessons rather than alarm bells
In my view, Solbakken’s blunt comments are less a public scolding and more a challenge to sharpen Bobb’s edge. The Norway boss has consistently backed him and knows the player’s potential ceiling.
FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe adds:
“Bobb is a rhythm player. He thrives when given trust and minutes. Solbakken’s honesty may sting, but it’s aimed at motivating him. City see him as a long-term successor to Bernardo Silva — games like this are part of the learning curve.”
Key insights
- Solbakken calls Bobb’s display “his weakest” for Norway and says he was “lacking everything.”
- Bobb admits the criticism was a fair assessment.
- The 22-year-old recently returned from a long-term foot injury.
- Has made eight appearances for Manchester City this season.
- Manager insists it’s “not a concern” given Bobb’s overall form.
What’s next for Bobb and Norway?
Norway resume World Cup qualifying next month against Estland, and Solbakken confirmed Bobb remains part of his plans. The midfielder will now return to Manchester City to prepare for their Premier League clash with Everton on 18 October.
All eyes will be on how he responds — and whether this rare public critique becomes a turning point.
👉 Will Solbakken’s tough love spark the real Oscar Bobb at both club and country level?
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