Patrick Berg admits fatigue after grueling schedule ahead of Champions League qualifier

Patrick Berg, the 28‑year‑old Norwegian defender, said his body feels worn out after a demanding match calendar. He played the full 120 minutes in Norway's World Cup quarter‑final against England, then six days later started for Bodø/Glimt in the Eliteserien, and most recently completed the entire match against Belgian side Union SG in the third qualifying round for the Champions League.

Berg noted he had “hung around” a lot in recent days and felt better playing on grass again. Former Molde coach and VG football expert Erling Moe praised Berg’s consistency, saying he has been “fantastic” and able to stand year after year with almost no break. Moe added that the heavy program after the World Cup naturally left Berg’s head and body feeling heavy.

The return leg against Union SG will be played at Aspmyra on Tuesday. The winner advances to a playoff where a place in the Champions League group stage is at stake, with the next opponent to be the winner of a tie between Olympiakos and NEC Nijmegen.