Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim, the joint head coaches of Viking Stavanger, are gearing up for the club's first home Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Appointed in November 2020, they have transformed Viking from an average team into a contender among Europe's elite. Jensen shared their recruitment philosophy, stating they assure players that they will have the best coaching experience of their careers.
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The duo's partnership began over a decade ago when they discussed coaching together while working in different fields; Aarsheim played nearly 300 games for Viking and later coached at Randaberg, while Jensen faced injuries that stalled his playing career.
Jensen describes Aarsheim as calm and analytical, while Aarsheim commends Jensen's ambitious vision, which includes aiming for top honors like league and Champions League titles. They believe in igniting big dreams among their players, encouraging them not to be satisfied with mere participation.
Viking's significant success under their guidance culminated in winning the Eliteserien title in 2022, breaking a long championship drought dating back to 1991. Viking had faced relegation in 2017 and struggled in previous seasons, but their focus on local talent and community involvement has reignited interest in the club.
Eirik Bjørnø, Viking's CEO, and sporting director Erik Nevland have supported this transformation. Their joint approach brought a fresh strategy to the club. Bjørnø recalls the unusual interview process, where Jensen and Aarsheim presented a detailed plan featuring a slide of sheep and wolves, signifying their intent to outpace competitors.
The innovative coaching duo has garnered attention, with Nevland noting that joint managers are rare in football but effective in Viking's case. Their overall strategy has fostered a strong team dynamic, emphasizing mutual respect and friendship among players and staff.
Aarsheim primarily oversees defensive tactics, while Jensen focuses on offense. They maintain a collaborative coaching style instead of resorting to shouting at players, believing in developing both football skills and personal growth.
The tight-knit atmosphere has empowered the squad, with captain Zlatko Tripic highlighting the mutual respect among players and coaches. As Viking approaches the challenge of facing Bayern Munich, their coaches are determined to instill confidence in their players, framing Viking as the best team in the world in their minds.