Bodo/Glimt star says Spurs not prepared for 'big disadvantage' in crunch Europa League clash
Odin Bjortuft has said Bodo/Glimt's plastic pitch can have a huge say on Europa League semi-final as Tottenham Hotspur head to the Arctic Circle with a 3-1 lead
ODIN Bjortuft reckons Bodo/Glimt's plastic pitch can derail Tottenham's dream.
Spurs arrive in the Arctic Circle with a two-goal advantage but defender Bjortuft, who is set to return having been sidelined by a minor injury last week, says Ange Postecoglou's team could struggle with the pace of their all-weather surface at the 8,000-capacity Aspmyra Stadion.
Bodo have won six of their seven home games in the competition and train on the pitch daily. And some Spurs stars may still be scarred by their previous experience of an artificial surface this season, when they needed extra-time to beat non-League Tamworth in the FA Cup.
'There's no doubt it is an advantage for us,' Bjortuft said. 'I don't think a lot of teams are prepared for what's coming. I think it's a combination [of things]. The ball goes really fast when you play passes and it's more difficult for defenders reaching attackers and getting contact with us. That's what we benefit from in these games.
'Of course, it's a big difference between artificial and grass in many ways but the main key is that the ball goes so fast. It may be harder to turn and everything for players that are not used to it.'
Bjortuft has added motivation because he grew up as a fan of likely final opponents Manchester United.
The centre-back regularly visited Old Trafford with his dad as a youngster and went to school 'every day' wearing the club's kit.
But having already had 'an experience I'll never forget' by playing at Old Trafford during the league phase - when Bodo led early on before losing 3-2 - the opportunity to battle Ruben Amorim's side for major silverware would top the lot.
'It is pretty surreal. It's quite fun to think about the little boy who wore a United kit to school every day.
'I'm really proud and grateful that we have reached this level and managed to achieve this stuff. This will be a big moment for my whole life. I'll remember this moment forever and I'm really grateful for it.
'For us Norwegians growing up we always watch English football, everyone does worldwide, so it's special. But at the same time, we just have to treat it as a normal match. It may be hard, but I think we have cracked the code.'
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