Gianni Stensness - AUS (Vikings FK | Norway)

RR

He was a great chat, had some interesting things to say about his career this far, Joe Bell being his agent and not playing for Ufuk twice! #NZFootball https://t.co/OQQV0uzpKG

— Riccardo Ball (@rikdog72) August 19, 2021

That was a good listen thanks RR.
The lad certainly comes across well.  He's confident and it's enjoyable to hear of the upbringing.  He's also very diplomatic - should stand him in good stead as he progresses.

Starting debut in a 3-1 win over bottom of the table Stabæk. Full games for both Stensness and Bell. Bell with the assist for the 3rd goal.

Viking now 4th, only 3 points off Bodø / Glimt in top spot. They host the league leaders (who do have a game in hand) next weekend in a big game. 12 rounds to go.

coochiee

Starting debut in a 3-1 win over bottom of the table Stabæk. Full games for both Stensness and Bell. Bell with the assist for the 3rd goal.

Viking now 4th, only 3 points off Bodø / Glimt in top spot. They host the league leaders (who do have a game in hand) next weekend in a big game. 12 rounds to go.

That was a quick route to a starting spot.  Obviously Viking have confidence and are keen to develop him.
It's a shame he was again playing out of position, though I see Viking have just sold a defender and are perhaps short in that area with surplus in midfield.
Looking at highlights (youtube) makes strikers look good while seldom favouring defenders.  I see in Joe Bells thread some fans see the one goal against as Stensness fault.  Miscommunication I think.  Perhaps more a keeper issue as he had a better view of the unfolding danger.
'Good to get a start though.

COnst

coochiee

Starting debut in a 3-1 win over bottom of the table Stabæk. Full games for both Stensness and Bell. Bell with the assist for the 3rd goal.

Viking now 4th, only 3 points off Bodø / Glimt in top spot. They host the league leaders (who do have a game in hand) next weekend in a big game. 12 rounds to go.

That was a quick route to a starting spot.  Obviously Viking have confidence and are keen to develop him.
It's a shame he was again playing out of position, though I see Viking have just sold a defender and are perhaps short in that area with surplus in midfield.
Looking at highlights (youtube) makes strikers look good while seldom favouring defenders.  I see in Joe Bells thread some fans see the one goal against as Stensness fault.  Miscommunication I think.  Perhaps more a keeper issue as he had a better view of the unfolding danger.
'Good to get a start though.

The Stensness thing could have been a language problem too

Viking's title/European aspirations take a very large dent as they are beaten at home 3-1 by league leaders Bodø / Glimt. Viking 6th, and 7 points behind Bodø / Glimt.

Stensness subbed off at 85 mins (score 2-1), and full game Bell.

Someone here described Bodø / Glimt as the hipsters team. Curious why?
Surely only real Viking hard men are allowed beards in Norway.

coochiee

Viking's title/European aspirations take a very large dent as they are beaten at home 3-1 by league leaders Bodø / Glimt. Viking 6th, and 7 points behind Bodø / Glimt.

Stensness subbed off at 85 mins (score 2-1), and full game Bell.

Someone here described Bodø / Glimt as the hipsters team. Curious why?
Surely only real Viking hard men are allowed beards in Norway.

Bit of background.

Very interesting read.

Occasionally, his methods appear in plain sight: When Bodo/Glimt concedes a goal, the players regularly come together to talk it through. “Not every time,” Mannsverk said. “Sometimes there is a bit of bad luck or whatever. But if they need to, they do. This is quite rare, I think.”

Always wondered why more football teams don't show a bit of maturity, and do this.

It's behind paywall for me but darn does it look interesting

andrewvoerman

coochiee

Viking's title/European aspirations take a very large dent as they are beaten at home 3-1 by league leaders Bodø / Glimt. Viking 6th, and 7 points behind Bodø / Glimt.

Stensness subbed off at 85 mins (score 2-1), and full game Bell.

Someone here described Bodø / Glimt as the hipsters team. Curious why?
Surely only real Viking hard men are allowed beards in Norway.

Bit of background.

I googled the headline and that luckily allowed me to get around the paywall.

Did not expect this.

Has chosen to represent Australia instead. 

wonder what he was promised, or maybe he just saw Aussie having more games and thought I want to be playing more than twice in 3 years.

How disappointing.

After the NZ connections got him an Olympics and a contract in Europe. That’s…

theprof

wonder what he was promised, or maybe he just saw Aussie having more games and thought I want to be playing more than twice in 3 years.

Reckon he had to have been tapped up by the Aussies after his performances in Tokyo. His transfer to Norway probably just confirmed it for them.

If he'd still been at CCM for this coming season there is no way he turns down NZ for Aussie.

Them's the breaks, but it's a bit of a piss take to be playing for our Olympic side mere months ago, and then effectively turncoat us. We've been used as a stepping stone here... 

Best of luck to him, but I won't be following his progress from here on out. 👋

YoungHeart

theprof

wonder what he was promised, or maybe he just saw Aussie having more games and thought I want to be playing more than twice in 3 years.

Reckon he had to have been tapped up by the Aussies after his performances in Tokyo. his transfer to Norway probably just confirmed it for them.

If he'd still been at CCM for this coming season there is no way he turns down NZ for Aussie.

Them's the breaks, but it's a bit of a piss take to be playing for our Olympic side mere months ago, and then effectively turncoat us. We've been used as a stepping stone here... 

Best of luck to him, but I won't be following his progress from here on out. 👋

yeah, I'd have though play for NZ at olympics kinds suggested where the loyalties lie. A bit rich of the aussies to come calling after his solid performances at the olympics. They had him in their backyard at CCM and ignored him, he could have been selected for the oly-roos but they saw others as better. 
Will be interesting to see if he gets selected for the next Aussie squad.

This thread probably needs to be moved now that he's no longer a kiwi footballer.

I hope AU cap him once and he never makes the squad again. Disappointing. 

I'm usually all for player choice when it comes to eligibility, but this is a massive farce to be honest.

I don't actually have a problem with split eligible players for Aus/NZ picking the former. It's their choice and I respect that.

However, Stensness in this case has been a total opportunist. If he didn't intend to continue with us he should not have accepted a call-up for the Olympics. So he's effectively used us to earn a move to Europe and now thinks he's a big gun so switches to Australia. Newsflash mate: international football is not club football and we have long memories.

It's a shame then that he wasted a squad space at the Olympics that we could have handed to a real, committed Kiwi.

And frankly? Australia has awesome depth in midfield. Mooy, Luongo, Irvine, McGree, Holland, Devlin, Baccus, Dougall, Metcalfe. I could go on and on.

And now after Australia don't pick him for a year or two, guess what'll happen? He'll come crawling back to us again and I sure as hell hope we slam the door shut when he does.

Where does it say he has chosen Aussie? I'm hoping he's asked not to be picked so he can settle into his club.

As mentioned, he is way down the aussie pecking order and he will know this.

read this:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/126500202/new-zealand-olympian-gianni-stensness-opts-for-australia-as-all-whites-squad-named

Sounds like this will be an unpopular opinion but
Good on him and good luck to him.
He is Australian, born and raised.
Did he use us to put himself in the shop front? Probably but he is a professional footballer, if it was me I would be doing everything to get ahead. 
Perhaps some of the blame needs to also go to NZF and the coaching staff?? He is a defensive Midfielder, he made it clear that is his preferred position yet he gets played as a CB and I am assuming told that's where he is seen in the national team set up. 

Oh and we also got the benefit of using him for the Olympics (And U20's from memory), any comment around oh he should have let a "real" NZer take it. Well if there was a better "Real" NZer they would have played not him.

Added to this we have had the benefit of a number of Ausie's jumping the ditch to us and I dont see anyone from here shouting "TRAITOR WE DONT WANT YOU" at the top of their lungs.

RoriM6

Oh and we also got the benefit of using him for the Olympics (And U20's from memory), any comment around oh he should have let a "real" NZer take it. Well if there was a better "Real" NZer they would have played not him.

Added to this we have had the benefit of a number of Ausie's jumping the ditch to us and I dont see anyone from here shouting "TRAITOR WE DONT WANT YOU" at the top of their lungs.

Tend to agree with this sentiment. However I see Stensness played overnight for Viking as a CB (as part of a back 3 like Olywhites mostly did at Tokyo), so hopefully he doesn't walk out on them if not played as a DM soon.

coochiee

RoriM6

Oh and we also got the benefit of using him for the Olympics (And U20's from memory), any comment around oh he should have let a "real" NZer take it. Well if there was a better "Real" NZer they would have played not him.

Added to this we have had the benefit of a number of Ausie's jumping the ditch to us and I dont see anyone from here shouting "TRAITOR WE DONT WANT YOU" at the top of their lungs.

Tend to agree with this sentiment. However I see Stensness played overnight for Viking as a CB (as part of a back 3 like Olywhites mostly did at Tokyo), so hopefully he doesn't walk out on them if not played as a DM soon.

Agree but I guess they are paying him money right which would be a key difference, in my career I do things that are not always my perfect set up however I am always working towards doing the thing I prefer.
And if it doesnt happen and Im not enjoying it I move jobs

A big fudge you to Gianni Stensness from 
Sincerely - yours truly 

RoriM6

coochiee

RoriM6

Oh and we also got the benefit of using him for the Olympics (And U20's from memory), any comment around oh he should have let a "real" NZer take it. Well if there was a better "Real" NZer they would have played not him.

Added to this we have had the benefit of a number of Ausie's jumping the ditch to us and I dont see anyone from here shouting "TRAITOR WE DONT WANT YOU" at the top of their lungs.

Tend to agree with this sentiment. However I see Stensness played overnight for Viking as a CB (as part of a back 3 like Olywhites mostly did at Tokyo), so hopefully he doesn't walk out on them if not played as a DM soon.

Agree but I guess they are paying him money right which would be a key difference, in my career I do things that are not always my perfect set up however I am always working towards doing the thing I prefer.
And if it doesnt happen and Im not enjoying it I move jobs

Yeah it was a tongue in cheek comment. Plus he knows Bell is likely moving on in a few months when Viking's season finishes, and so a chance in 2022 he could move into Bell's spot at Viking.

Wonder how the dynamics are between those two at the moment!!
https://play.stuff.co.nz/details/_6274360900001

RoriM6

Sounds like this will be an unpopular opinion but
Good on him and good luck to him.
He is Australian, born and raised.
Did he use us to put himself in the shop front? Probably but he is a professional footballer, if it was me I would be doing everything to get ahead. 
Perhaps some of the blame needs to also go to NZF and the coaching staff?? He is a defensive Midfielder, he made it clear that is his preferred position yet he gets played as a CB and I am assuming told that's where he is seen in the national team set up. 

Simply can't agree with this.

Don't represent New Zealand at an important tournament like the Olympics (because say what you like, it is an important tournament for us), get praise and a move off the back of that, then suddenly think you're top shark and good enough to play for Australia. 

National teams are not clubs teams and I have absolutely no respect for players who treat them as such. 

And as for playing midfield, he's got pretty fierce competition for the Aus spots... not that it matters in the slightest to us now. 

Admins - move this thread to ex-Nix players. 

RoriM6

Oh and we also got the benefit of using him for the Olympics (And U20's from memory), any comment around oh he should have let a "real" NZer take it. Well if there was a better "Real" NZer they would have played not him.

Added to this we have had the benefit of a number of Ausie's jumping the ditch to us and I dont see anyone from here shouting "TRAITOR WE DONT WANT YOU" at the top of their lungs.

Ah yes because the Socceroos were desperately trying to call up Joey Champness and Glen Moss aye...

How many NZ internationals played for Aus at an Olympic tournament? Get back to me if you find any. 

lthomas20

RoriM6

Sounds like this will be an unpopular opinion but
Good on him and good luck to him.
He is Australian, born and raised.
Did he use us to put himself in the shop front? Probably but he is a professional footballer, if it was me I would be doing everything to get ahead. 
Perhaps some of the blame needs to also go to NZF and the coaching staff?? He is a defensive Midfielder, he made it clear that is his preferred position yet he gets played as a CB and I am assuming told that's where he is seen in the national team set up. 

Simply can't agree with this.

Don't represent New Zealand at an important tournament like the Olympics (because say what you like, it is an important tournament for us), get praise and a move off the back of that, then suddenly think you're top shark and good enough to play for Australia. 

National teams are not clubs teams and I have absolutely no respect for players who treat them as such. 

And as for playing midfield, he's got pretty fierce competition for the Aus spots... not that it matters in the slightest to us now. 

Admins - move this thread to ex-Nix players. 

Genuine Question So you would rather we play worse players and theoretically finish worse in an international tournament? 

RoriM6

lthomas20

RoriM6

Sounds like this will be an unpopular opinion but
Good on him and good luck to him.
He is Australian, born and raised.
Did he use us to put himself in the shop front? Probably but he is a professional footballer, if it was me I would be doing everything to get ahead. 
Perhaps some of the blame needs to also go to NZF and the coaching staff?? He is a defensive Midfielder, he made it clear that is his preferred position yet he gets played as a CB and I am assuming told that's where he is seen in the national team set up. 

Simply can't agree with this.

Don't represent New Zealand at an important tournament like the Olympics (because say what you like, it is an important tournament for us), get praise and a move off the back of that, then suddenly think you're top shark and good enough to play for Australia. 

National teams are not clubs teams and I have absolutely no respect for players who treat them as such. 

And as for playing midfield, he's got pretty fierce competition for the Aus spots... not that it matters in the slightest to us now. 

Admins - move this thread to ex-Nix players. 

Genuine Question So you would rather we play worse players and theoretically finish worse in an international tournament? 

He may be better than those who want to play for NZ. I think it's pretty clear that wanting to play is first and foremost, no point in being the best and not wanting to play. I'd rather have the second best CB/CDM that wanted to be there than this guy who clearly now wants to be an aussie.

But Im confused this is an important tournament. Surely for an important tournament you play your best team and try for the best results? 

pre olympics Gianni wanted to play for NZ, that's all well and good. Now that he's been spotted and moved to Europe the Aussies come calling and want him, so he's said no to hay and NZ. Should the WC roll around and he is still unselected for aussie I'd rather he not be asked to play for us and we select someone who wanted to play as a New Zealander.

Sorry I just struggle with this whole mindset of we accept everyone else who wants to come here because we are NZ and so amazing and of course you want to play for us. Yet when someone decides they want to go down a different path they are the son of satan and hellspawn eternal. 
They are professional footballers. Playing football is their job. In my job I do everything I can to put my best foot forward and set up the best future I can for myself and my family, if you dont then that's fair enough everyone is entitled to their opinion so I respect that you have yours and will leave this here. 
Have a great afternoon

theprof

pre olympics Gianni wanted to play for NZ, that's all well and good. Now that he's been spotted and moved to Europe the Aussies come calling and want him, so he's said no to hay and NZ. Should the WC roll around and he is still unselected for aussie I'd rather he not be asked to play for us and we select someone who wanted to play as a New Zealander.

 Fair enough, I dont think he can though you can only switch one from memory.

lthomas20

RoriM6

Oh and we also got the benefit of using him for the Olympics (And U20's from memory), any comment around oh he should have let a "real" NZer take it. Well if there was a better "Real" NZer they would have played not him.

Added to this we have had the benefit of a number of Ausie's jumping the ditch to us and I dont see anyone from here shouting "TRAITOR WE DONT WANT YOU" at the top of their lungs.

Ah yes because the Socceroos were desperately trying to call up Joey Champness and Glen Moss aye...

How many NZ internationals played for Aus at an Olympic tournament? Get back to me if you find any. 

Graham Arnold has openly said he was pissed off Champness dumped Aus for NZ. Utu I guess with Stensness. Swings & roundabouts.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125438105/joe-champness-gave-up-football-to-pursue-hiphop-career--now-hes-back-and-playing-for-us
Olyroos coach Graham Arnold was not pleased with Champness’s choice, and said it was “disappointing” that he changed nationality after taking a year off to follow his hip-hop dreams.

“Disappointing because he was in Cambodia with us in the first phase of qualifiers and he was proud to be Australian and wanted to play for Australia and wanted to go to the Olympics for Australia,” Arnold said.

“He decided obviously to go to LA and start doing a career of rapping and then he's come back and gone to play for New Zealand.

“At the end of the day, it's a decision that's down to the individual. I would never really threaten or push anyone to play for Australia. It's what's in your heart, and what's in their blood.”

From Wki
"He has represented Australia at youth level, and was a member of the Young Socceroos team in the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship in Bahrain."

RoriM6

theprof

pre olympics Gianni wanted to play for NZ, that's all well and good. Now that he's been spotted and moved to Europe the Aussies come calling and want him, so he's said no to hay and NZ. Should the WC roll around and he is still unselected for aussie I'd rather he not be asked to play for us and we select someone who wanted to play as a New Zealander.

 Fair enough, I dont think he can though you can only switch one from memory.

true, but has he officially switched if he doesnt play for Aus?

Why play for NZ when they never make the world cup, best move any Aus passport holding Kiwi can do for the footballing career.
 

Never is factually incorrect, we have made it twice compared to Aussie's 5.

World Cup prep, players in window for clubs, team building, national pride-

Yes. Stanger or Tuiloma or even Steven Old tbh! 

It sucks... but we took Champness, and they took him. Happens all over the world.

NZ football doesn't really offer much comparatively... how many games have we played internationally in the last 10 years minus the Oceania sides... 10 - 15? Its pathetic really!