Who is Kjetil Knutsen? - Meet the Norwegian Manager Working European Miracles With Bodo/Glimt

Who is Kjetil Knutsen? - Meet the Norwegian Manager Working European Miracles With Bodo/Glimt

Unless you have been living under a Champions League-sized rock over the last day, you will be more than aware of the underdog triumph that saw little old Bodo/Glimt see off Serie A giants Inter in the Champions League playoff round.

Playing football in the Arctic Circle isn't exactly the most appealing of offers, so it's understandable that Inter struggled in both the conditions and on the artificial surface of the Aspmyra Stadium.

Instead, the big head-turner came in the second leg. A 3-1 advantage for Bodo looked healthy following the first leg, but most expected the might of the Nerazzurri to prevail and put the Norwegians to the sword on home turf.

But, never the one to bow at the feet of more accomplished opposition, Bodo was hell-bent on ripping that script to pieces.

A compact first half was followed by yet another Jens Petter Hauge display, as his goal and assist put the visitors 2-0 up. A late goal by Bastoni was nowhere near enough, as Bodo planted their flag at the San Siro and came away 2-1 winners on the night and 5-2 winners on aggregate.

But truth be told, this sort of performance isn't exactly unheard of for Bodo/Glimt across the last couple of seasons.

With limited resources, relatively unknown players in comparison to their counterparts and a domestic season which bodes for issues on the European stage – Bodo continue to compete.

By this point you might be wondering, who is the mastermind behind all of this?

The Man Behind it All: Kjetil Knutsen

Knutsen began his senior managerial career in 2012, with a three-year stint in the Norwegian lower leagues at FK Fyllingsdalen.

His journey then took him to Åsane, who currently reside in Norway's second division, before a move to the big time around a year and a half later.

Bodo Glimt.

The streets will never forget this run. 👏 pic.twitter.com/95O1QAYkA8

— 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐨 (@Varticoo) February 24, 2026

The 57-year-old took charge of Bodo/Glimt back in 2017, following a short stint as their assistant manager.

Just three years into his tenure, Knutsen would begin to forge his dynasty when he won Bodø their first ever Norwegian title – a feat which he has since built on with three more Eliteserien triumphs.

But it isn't just domestically where Knutsen has shown his managerial abilities, as, even before the current fairytale Champions League campaign, he proved his worth on the European stage with a Europa League semi-final appearance just last season.

How Has He Done It?

The majority of Knutsen's success at Bodo/Glimt has come with his side playing a 4-3-3, which looks to dominate the ball and stretch the opposition with intricate build-up play.

Combination play is the main focus, with his wingers often pulling wide to isolate fullbacks and allow the two central number eights to get involved in overloads and link up in the half spaces.

Kjetil Knutsen’s Bodø/Glimt 🧠

pic.twitter.com/2GZNIN6wJ2

— 3rd Man Movements (@3rdmanmovements) February 25, 2026

In the final third, Bodo employ a rather gung-ho approach to their attacking scenarios, with five or six players often occupying forward areas and looking to overwhelm compact defences.

The most impressive thing is Knutsen's ability to adapt his side to almost any situation.

Nothing was a better example of that than the aforementioned Inter Milan tie that saw Bodo slip into a much more compact low block out of possession but still employ that controlled chaos attacking nature that characterises

Even Inter manager Christian Chivu was complimentary of the Norwegian outfit after the game, admitting Knutsen's tactics almost entirely nullified the threat of his side all over the pitch.

Just How Far Can He Go?

Given how far Knutsen has already taken his Bodø/Glimt side against all odds, there will be no fear in his mind about any challenge thrown his way.

In fact, Knutsen has shown time and time again that his success isn't a fluke and that he can go toe-to-toe with some of Europe's elite managers.

If he continues on the current trajectory, don't be shocked to see him pop up in a top European league before long, trusted with a job which could alter the trajectory of his career forever.