Sander Sagosen on Kolstad Departure: “I was naive”
Norwegian handball star Sander Sagosen has opened up about his brief and turbulent tenure at Kolstad, following his return to Danish champions Aalborg. In a frank interview with Verdens Gang, Sagosen provided an insider’s perspective on the challenges he faced during his 19-month stint with the club.
Sagosen joined domestic project Kolstad with high hopes. However, by July 2023, he was confronted with an unexpected salary cut—a move that, coupled with other unforeseen factors, ultimately led to his departure. The experience left him reflecting on the decisions and dynamics that influenced his time at the club.
Speaking with characteristic frankness, Sagosen remarked:
“I did everything to make it possible. But then you have to call a spade a spade. For me, it’s about rediscovering the joy—the joy of performing. I need to feel that I’m developing and that I’m in the right place.”
Addressing his initial expectations, he added:
“I was naive too. I thought that this would be possible by bringing together this and that party.”
Reflecting on the overall impact of the situation at Kolstad, he stated:
“The overall package at Kolstad weighed heavily on me. But I will never blame anyone except myself.”
On his motivation to return to Aalborg—a club where he previously flourished between 2014 and 2017—Sagosen explained:
“I can honestly say that my financial situation has significantly worsened. But I wanted to return to Aalborg. I want to win, to continue developing, and to succeed again. That drives me. I believe Aalborg knows how much that motivates me.”
