Eirik Horneland was close to becoming Rosenborg BK manager

Rosenborg BK was close to hiring Eirik Horneland as manager

Rosenborg BK was close to hiring Eirik Horneland as their new manager in May 2026, but he chose to wait for an opportunity abroad. Instead, Freyr Alexandersson was appointed.

What happened with the coaching search?

When Alfred Johansson was fired as Rosenborg manager on May 5, 2026, Horneland was the club's top choice. He had several talks with the club but wanted to work abroad.

– I have nothing to say about that. I have many good people in Trondheim and have had good dialogue with that environment for many years, and still do. I have great faith in what is happening up there. They have brought in a good man in Freyr, says Horneland.

Why didn't it happen?

Horneland did not want to commit at that time as he wanted to work abroad. The club decided to move on and hired Freyr Alexandersson.

– It's football and timing. Rosenborg could well have hired another coach before I became available, but a bit out of the blue I was a 'free man' and then I became Rosenborg manager. I think both parties were lucky there, both Rosenborg and me, says Freyr Alexandersson.

What happens now?

Now Brann and Rosenborg meet at Brann Stadion on Sunday. Rosenborg is 9th in Eliteserien with 21 points after 16 games (6 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses). The team has won 3 of their last 5 games (WLWWW).