– It’s something I’ve dreamed of for a very long time. It was an interesting game, so the result wasn’t with us today, but we’ll take it next time.
That’s what Leo Fuhr Hilde said after his first start in a European group play-off, even though things didn’t turn out the way he or Norway wanted against France.
– I think we have a lot of good qualities. Another day, we will win this match too, or get points, so we have some margin against us now. Hope it turns around soon.
He has faith: Leo Hilde, here with Markus Solbakken and Oskar Popp, still believes in promoting the European Commission. Photo: Nikola Krstek
– I had to give him a few words
From his position at left-back, Hjelde was close to the crowd at one long side at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Radulescu in the first half.
In the middle of the match, you could see a frustrated 19-year-old exchanging words with a colleague in the stands.
– Only “Versejan” was in the stands, so I had to give him a few words. It was no more, Hjelde smile after the game.
At San Siro: John Olaf Hilde on his time as a Rosenborg player. Photo: Gorm Kallestad/NTB
In the stands sat Abe, former Rosenborg player and head football coach John Olaf Hilde – in a familiar, observant manner.
– Dad always has something to point out, but I don’t always listen to him.
Wide coach: Leo’s father, John Olaf, is, among other things, the head coach of Trygg/Lade in the fourth division. Photo: Per-Atle Karlsen/TV 2
– Did you do what he asked this time?
– No, Hildy chuckles before continuing:
– No, it was nice. He gives some advice about where I should position myself, so I hear him a bit in the background. When it didn’t work out, I was a little frustrated in that moment, explains the Norway defender.
Not sure about the future
A Leeds property, Tronderen has had a good six months on loan at Championship club Rotherham. He was rewarded with a place on Leif Gunnar Smerud’s team.
Save the place: Hjelde was a strong contributor to Rotherham retaining their place in the Championship. Photo: Mike Egerton
– The past six months have been good. I played a lot of matches and saved Rotherham, so for me the season ended on a high note. Then Leeds were relegated after three weeks, so of course it was difficult, but I just trained and prepared for the championship. There’s not much I can do with it, Hilde says.
In recent weeks, the 19-year-old has been linked with, among others, Italy’s Salernitana. The protagonist himself admits that he is not sure where he will play next season.
For me, it’s just a matter of getting back to Leeds and getting off to a good start, then we’ll see what happens there.
Return to Leeds: The plan is to return to Leeds when construction begins after the summer, but whether the future is in place for the long term Hjelde is unsure. Photo: Justin Tallis
– Do you want to stay?
– we will see. We’ll see who gets in. Nothing is certain at the club, we don’t have a manager yet, so we’ll see.
Before that time, everything revolved around progress in the European Commission. With Italy beating Switzerland 3-2, the Norwegian hope lives on despite losing to France. If France does the job against Switzerland, a two-goal victory over Glee Azzurri will send Norway to the quarter-finals.
– We watched the Italy game, so we know what it takes to progress. Hilde says this is entirely possible.
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