Norway winger Caroline Graham Hansen lashed out on the choice to begin her on the bench in her facet’s scoreless draw with Switzerland on the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday, which leaves its hopes of progressing to the final 16 hanging by a thread.
The 28-year-old was introduced on as a second-half substitute however she couldn’t conceal her frustration after the sport.
“It’s tough, I don’t know what I can say. There’s not much I can say, I feel like I’m standing here with my hands tied,” she stated in a post-game TV interview.
“I feel I have been stepped on for a whole year – everyone says all the time that we have to stand together as a team and as a nation, but I feel I’ve been on the receiving end (of a raw deal),” Graham Hansen added.
The appointment of Hege Riise as Norway coach in August final yr was adopted by an announcement that Graham Hansen was stepping away from the nationwide workforce to focus on her well being, however she returned to the fold forward of the World Cup.
READ: Switzerland, Norway draw 0-0; depart Group A up for grabs
Her comeback proved to be removed from triumphant, and after a poor exhibiting by Norway in its defeat to co-host New Zealand in its opening sport Graham Hansen was dropped, together with Barcelona teammate Ingrid Syrstad Engen and Manchester City’s Julie Blakstad.
“Nothing comes for free in life, but I thought I had earned a certain amount of respect, but maybe that wasn’t the case,” Graham Hansen stated.
When requested in regards to the choice to bench Graham Hansen, who gained the Champions League with Barcelona final month, coach Riise stated she had no regrets.
“Caroline is entitled to be frustrated and to express an opinion, but since I arrived in this position I have always said the team is the most important thing,” Riise advised reporters.
“All players want to start matches. I reached the decision in the best interest of my team and I defend my decision today.”
Norway faces Philippines in its ultimate Group A sport on Sunday, with New Zealand and Switzerland kicking off concurrently.
