New Manager Anders Aarhus is Ready for the Big Time
Ski Stadion – Anders Aarhus isn’t worried about the fact that he never played organized football.
“It’s something I’ve dealing with my entire managerial career, I’m used to it by now and I have no problem telling people about my lack of playing experience.”
When he’s announced as the new manager of Follo FK next Monday, it will be the culmination of a journey that is only just beginning, but has already encompassed more than most people can hope to experience in a lifetime.
Aarhus’ story is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Washington State in the United States of America, Aarhus grew up a fan of baseball, basketball and American football – the country’s top sports – and didn’t develop a love for football until later in his life.
“I really got into football during the 2002 World Cup watching the USA make it all the way to the quarterfinals. In the space of six months I went from Manchester United and Liverpool being the only clubs I could name to knowing everything there is to know about leagues around the world.”
Less than a year later Aarhus was volunteering as a local youth coach and his career took off from there. He eventually worked his way up to an assistant coach position at the University of Washington, the state’s leading college. In 2007, after a series of disappointing performances, the head coach was fired and Aarhus was instituted as acting head coach. He turned the team around, taking them to a PAC-12 Championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament, the country’s top collegiate competition. He did enough to impress his bosses and earned a permanent contract.
Within three years he had built the program into a national contender and developed a reputation as a master tactician and motivator. In 2010 the team lifted the College Cup and were recognized as national champions after winning the NCAA tournament.
After the season Aarhus considered signing an extension with the University of Washington, but instead decided to try his hand in professional management. He applied for several jobs, but Follo were the only team to show interest. Two weeks after Follo called, Aarhus moved with his girlfriend to Norway and rented an apartment 5 minutes from Ski stadion.
“It was a new challenge, a way for me to further my coaching career and to do it in Norway is extra special. When I first decided to take the job, people asked me why Norway? But if you know me and you know about Norwegian football, it makes perfect sense.”
Born to an American mother and a Norwegian father, Aarhus is an American citizen, but held dual citizenship of both the US and Norway until he was 16. His father’s side of the family still lives in the country and Aarhus has maintained a good relationship with his Norwegian relatives throughout his life.
“I used to go to Norway every summer with my dad to visit all my relatives so I know my family very well. I’ve been here 18 times and speak the language fluently so it really wasn’t a culture shock to come over here, it felt more like a second home,” said Aarhus.
But that wasn’t the only factor that convinced him to take a leap of faith.
“I think the Norwegian league is quality, very underrated and if you look at the track records of Americans that have come over here to play in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, they’ve had great success. I don’t see why that success can’t translate to the management side of the game.”
Despite his good spirits, Aarhus is realistic about the task at hand. He takes over a Follo squad that just missed out on promotion last year, meaning there’s increased pressure to gain promotion to the Adeccoligaen.
“I think it’s a good challenge and one I’m looking forward too. We have a wealth of young talent at the club and return much of the squad that almost won promotion last year. Obviously it won’t be easy, but I definitely think we can achieve promotion and I’ve told the board as much. If we can get promoted, I think we have the quality to stay in the Adeccoligaen.”
As if he wasn’t already under enough pressure, Aarhus takes over for club legend Hans Erik Eriksen, but the new boss isn’t daunted.
“Eriksen was great for this club and got them promoted to the second division and nearly won them promotion last year. His leaving for a bigger job makes sense and I wish him the best in his future career. As far as how I think I should be judged, it’s not for me to decide and all I ask is that the board place their trust in me, which they have, and that the fans stand behind the players and the club.”
Aarhus faces a busy preseason ahead as he looks to install new tactics and new training regimens while also looking for signings to strengthen the squad. Already though, a plan is beginning to emerge.
“Football is about entertainment and that’s what I promise Follo fans. We have good attacking pieces in place and the club will look to add some depth in the midfield. I feel confident and I’m ready to get down to work and the season ahead.”
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