Solbakken: Ancelotti is arguably the greatest coach in European football history

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken paid tribute to his Brazilian counterpart Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Sunday's World Cup last-16 clash between the two nations, stating that a locker-room video showing him criticizing the Italian tactician was a joke taken out of context.

The video, released by the Norwegian Football Federation, captured Solbakken's impassioned speech to his players after their 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, concluding with the words: "...and wait, Carlo Ancelotti, we're coming for you!"

"This is far from a provocation – he is probably the greatest coach in the history of European football, alongside Guardiola, Mourinho, and one or two others from a historical perspective," Solbakken said at a press conference.

"I have immense respect for him. I met him several times with FC Copenhagen when we played against Chelsea and Real Madrid in the Champions League. He's a great person, has a great sense of humor, and we have the utmost respect for him, as well as for Brazil as a country. So I think they can see the funny side of things; it wasn't a very deep analysis," he added.

Solbakken was part of the Norway squad that defeated Brazil in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup, but he stated that was too long ago to be relevant for Sunday's encounter.

"I think Brazil is starting to hit their stride, gradually getting better and better, and they have strong players in all positions. We are looking forward to the challenge. Brazil is the favorite, of course, and a contender to win the entire tournament. But now fate has decided we meet them, and we have to play our best," the coach commented further.

"We hope to play on equal terms. We want to win the match and reach the quarterfinals. We have great respect for what the coach has done and what the team has achieved so far, but on Sunday, anything can happen," Solbakken concluded.