Our clubs greatest legend and Norways greatest ever club coach - Nils Arne Eggen -Thanks for everything you have done <3
Many of you in here might be too young to know much about him. He was Rosenborgs Ferguson, so you might understand what he meant for us. And not just as a coach, Eggen was also revered for the person he was, his wisdom, humour, energy, pedagogic skills, philosophy etc.
He was active as a player and/or coach from 1961 to 2016. His greatest accomplishments started in 1986 when he took over Moss in Norway and took them directly to the top division, and then won that the following year. Then he went back to Rosenborg, won the double and started building Rosenborg into a top european team that punched WAY above their weight. He remained at his club Rosenborg until 2002, except for a sabbatical in 1998. This was the team's golden age, resulting in 11 consecutive league titles and the participation in eight consecutive seasons in Champions League. Eggen returned a manager for the single 2010 season, again winning the league. In 96 Rosenborg got as far as the quarterfinals, drawing at home and loosing away against Juve, who went to the finals that year. At that time, Rosenborg was ranked high, and often beat much bigger clubs, like Real Madrid, Dortmund etc. He is well know for being inspired by Rinus MIchel and 4-3-3 attacking football, and was extremely good at teaching players and getting them to play at their strengths instead of focusing on managing their weaknesses. He transformed the club and the players, played mostly with local talents and was known to be extremely good at the tactical aspect of football, only he never focused on the other teams. He used all the energy on perfecting and developing his own teams automated play patterns and collective play.
He was also very entertaining. He was a firework of energy and intellect.
So many happy memories this man has given my nation and region, he made something happen with norwegian football that no one thought was ever possible. After he stopped coaching us we have been spiralling downwards, but he continues to be an inspiration for everyone involved in football in Norway. He never coached clubs abroad, because he was very adamant on developing his club and his nations football. If he had gone abroad, I have no doubt he would be among the greatest ever also internationally.
Rest in peace <3 You will never be forgotten.
