North Korea have made a surprise move by appointing Jorn Anderson as their new manager of the national football team.
The country has been increasingly cut off from the rest of the world due to various issues. Amidst increasing nuclear tension in the region, North Korea would not have been seen as a destination for Norwegian Anderson. After having represented the Norway national team in 26 games during his playing career, Anderson has gone on to manage clubs like Austria Salzburg. He took an extended break from the game as a manager before taking over at Austria Salzburg in 2015.
North Korea have made a surprise move by appointing Jorn Anderson as their new manager of the national football team.
The country has been increasingly cut off from the rest of the world due to various issues. Amidst increasing nuclear tension in the region, North Korea would not have been seen as a destination for Norwegian Anderson. After having represented the Norway national team in 26 games during his playing career, Anderson has gone on to manage clubs like Austria Salzburg. He took an extended break from the game as a manager before taking over at Austria Salzburg in 2015.
He has been the manager of Austria Salzburg until December. The head of Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS) in Copenhagen, Geir Helgesen, claimed that he is extremely surprised by the decision. North Korea has especially been tough on foreign nationals with various rules being imposed to prevent any ill-advised thoughts about the regime going out. Punishments are thought to be severe with the accused being provided no chance to prove themselves innocent. Even though Anderson will be occupying one of the important positions in the country, it remains to be seen if he can make progress according to Helgesen.
Helgesen admits that the North Korean national team is looking forward to qualify for the next World Cup.“It seems strange, but in North Korea sport is political. Just as it is in other countries. It means a lot for them to win and make a good showing within the international arena. They actually played pretty good football before. It has been up and down, but they have shown they are capable.North Korea is hoping to improve its image in the world by asking a foreigner to help with football,” said Helgesen. Up until now, North Korea were reportedly interested in hiring a German national.