It's the end of another work week, which can only mean one thing, another 'Five for Friday' and this week we spoke with Magnus Nilerud, the Head Women's Soccer Coach at the University of Bridgeport, who are currently ranked #1 in the NSCAA Division II National Rankings. Nilerud first came to the shores of Bridgeport from Sweden in 1995 to play for the Men's Soccer team. Speaking little English and living with other internationals from Ireland and England, he quickly fit in with the other lads as he was always up for a bit of banter. During this time he developed an affinity for Snoopy (yes the dog) and Manchester United. Sixteen years later, and especially after his first season as Head Coach of the women's program at UB in 1999 when the team went 0-15, his need for banter has only intensified. Long after his numerous coaching records are broken, he will be remembered for his joking demeanor, which usually comes at his own expense. Enjoy the interview and don’t be scared to add your own banter.
Soccer Banter: Losing arguably the best striker the University of Bridgeport has ever had in Linda Velaj to graduation, did you think it was possible to have the season you have had so far, undefeated and ranked #1 in the country?
Magnus Nilerud: We didn’t think it was going to be possible to have this type of season, but not necessarily because of the loss of Linda, more because of the fact that we didn’t really bring in what we thought would be a stud “game-changing” player, something that has been standard in the program over the last 10 years, we focused on making our squad deeper with good players all around. Add to this that we brought in 14 freshmen, and every starting line up has had about 4-6 freshmen in it, we just didn’t know if they would mature quick enough to handle the pressure.
SB: Alright, great answer, good luck with the rest of the year, the Soccer Banter staff will be pulling for you, but now it’s time for some banter! Top three best dressed managers/coaches in the world of soccer? (Include yourself if you deserve such an honor)
MN: 1. Me, 2. Pep Guardiola, 3. Paulo Sousa
SB: Three questions in #3. Why Manchester United? Solskjaer or Chicharito? Who would you like to see follow Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United when the legendary coach retires?
MN: First EPL stadium I went to as a kid. Tough question, should really be Ole for ’99, but then again Chicharito isn't Norwegian; gonna have to go for Ole for ’99. Jose Mourinho or Scott McBride, either one will do.
Soccer Banter: Losing arguably the best striker the University of Bridgeport has ever had in Linda Velaj to graduation, did you think it was possible to have the season you have had so far, undefeated and ranked #1 in the country?
Magnus Nilerud: We didn’t think it was going to be possible to have this type of season, but not necessarily because of the loss of Linda, more because of the fact that we didn’t really bring in what we thought would be a stud “game-changing” player, something that has been standard in the program over the last 10 years, we focused on making our squad deeper with good players all around. Add to this that we brought in 14 freshmen, and every starting line up has had about 4-6 freshmen in it, we just didn’t know if they would mature quick enough to handle the pressure.
SB: Alright, great answer, good luck with the rest of the year, the Soccer Banter staff will be pulling for you, but now it’s time for some banter! Top three best dressed managers/coaches in the world of soccer? (Include yourself if you deserve such an honor)
MN: 1. Me, 2. Pep Guardiola, 3. Paulo Sousa
SB: Three questions in #3. Why Manchester United? Solskjaer or Chicharito? Who would you like to see follow Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United when the legendary coach retires?
MN: First EPL stadium I went to as a kid. Tough question, should really be Ole for ’99, but then again Chicharito isn't Norwegian; gonna have to go for Ole for ’99. Jose Mourinho or Scott McBride, either one will do.
SB: You get a phone call on October 21, Manchester United has decided to give you a luxury suite for match for Manchester City on Oct 23 and you can bring 5 people (dead or alive)...who would you want in your suite for the Manchester derby and why?
MN: My three kids (Isabelle, Sofia and Lilliana) + Roy Keane and Alf Inge Haaland to spice up the halftime show.
SB: The final countdown with Fill in the Blank and Pick 'Em.
Fill in the Blank
If Arsene Wenger sat next to you on the train you would ask him for tips on training sessions on how to keep possession in the opposition’s six yard box or if he fancies his chances against Preston North End next year.
John Terry is seated next to Victoria Beckham during the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, your first thought is wow, didn’t know they both had an interest in Pole Vault.
You're favorite annual soccer event is the NSCAA Convention, oh wait, is this a soccer event? If not, start of the EPL season.
Pick 'Em (Which do you prefer to happen)
SB: Winning 2011 NCAA Championship with UB or Manchester United wins the Treble (FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League)?
MN: If the President and the AD of UB are viewers of Soccer Banter, National Championship with UB; if not I’d take the treble if it includes a front row ticket in Munich on May 19th
SB: Manchester United win the Premier League or Arsenal gets relegated?
MN: Arsenal relegated, we’ll win the league without me wishing it.
SB: Denmark winning 2014 World Cup or Manchester City Winning Premier League?
MN: Denmark, only because their women look better and have teeth.
MN: My three kids (Isabelle, Sofia and Lilliana) + Roy Keane and Alf Inge Haaland to spice up the halftime show.
SB: The final countdown with Fill in the Blank and Pick 'Em.
Fill in the Blank
If Arsene Wenger sat next to you on the train you would ask him for tips on training sessions on how to keep possession in the opposition’s six yard box or if he fancies his chances against Preston North End next year.
John Terry is seated next to Victoria Beckham during the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, your first thought is wow, didn’t know they both had an interest in Pole Vault.
You're favorite annual soccer event is the NSCAA Convention, oh wait, is this a soccer event? If not, start of the EPL season.
Pick 'Em (Which do you prefer to happen)
SB: Winning 2011 NCAA Championship with UB or Manchester United wins the Treble (FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League)?
MN: If the President and the AD of UB are viewers of Soccer Banter, National Championship with UB; if not I’d take the treble if it includes a front row ticket in Munich on May 19th
SB: Manchester United win the Premier League or Arsenal gets relegated?
MN: Arsenal relegated, we’ll win the league without me wishing it.
SB: Denmark winning 2014 World Cup or Manchester City Winning Premier League?
MN: Denmark, only because their women look better and have teeth.
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