An interview with Filip Brattbakk, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
You joined Klaksvík at the start of their season, and you have just finished as league champions. How pleasing has that been for you in your first season at the club?
“It has been amazing. From the first day, the coach was very clear about what he wanted us to achieve this season. The main goal was to win the league, and the cup as a bonus. When you win both and go undefeated, it really could not have gone much better, at least in the Faroes. Of course, we wanted to go further in Europe, but overall it has been a very good season for us. I am very happy.”
Playing in an unbeaten team, how much belief does that give you and the group every time you step onto the field?
“From the start, we noticed how much better we were than everyone else. Every game was about ourselves. If anyone was going to take points from us or beat us, it would have to be because we had a bad day. Even though we had a few of those, I never really felt that anyone was close to beating us. We lost only one game this season, and that was in Europe. It is the first time I have experienced that in my career, so it is a special feeling to go unbeaten domestically.”
What is life like in the Faroe Islands, both in terms of playing domestically and from a lifestyle point of view?
“It is quite similar to Norway in many ways. Football is the main priority, so that is what we spend most of our time on. One big difference is that we train in the afternoon, which is unusual for someone coming from Norway. That took some adjustment. Apart from that, especially at our club, it is very professional, and there is a good football culture, even though it is not a big country. It has been a good experience overall.”
Looking ahead, you have had a very successful year domestically. Is Europe the big target for you and the club next season?
“Yes, definitely. Next season, we will start in the Champions League qualifiers, which is a huge help in terms of reaching a group stage. We will have to see how far we can go, but starting at the top is a big boost. Even if we go out, we will have a second chance in the other competitions. It would be really fun to reach a group stage like the club did a few years ago. That is one of our main goals.”
You came through the youth system at Rosenborg, one of Norway’s biggest clubs. How much did you learn from your time there?
“A lot. At Rosenborg, even in the youth teams, there was always pressure to win every game and every competition, such as the domestic cup, which I won twice. I also had a short stint with the first team, and the pressure there is huge. That experience really helps now at Klaksvík, where there is also pressure to win the league every year. It is something you get used to when you play for top clubs.”
Before joining Klaksvík, you had a few loan spells and played both in Norway and the Faroe Islands. How did you enjoy your football during that period?
“I have played a lot of games, probably close to 100 across the top two divisions in Norway. I have built up a good amount of experience over the past five or six years. Last season with Víkingur Gøta was a bit different. Our team was not that strong, but for me personally, it was a good season. You notice a big difference coming from a team fighting for the top four to one fighting to win every year. That pressure to win every time you play is something I enjoy.”
Your father, Harald Brattbakk, played for Celtic and represented Norway at international level. How much have you learned from him, and is he still someone you go to for advice?
“Definitely. We speak several times a week. Whenever I have questions about football or need advice, I ask him. He has so much experience and has been part of many great teams. He is always supportive and gives me tips whenever I need them. He has been a huge part of helping me become a professional footballer.”
Have you ever had the chance to visit Celtic Park or Scotland, given your father’s time there?
“Yes, I have been to Celtic Park once, when Celtic beat Barcelona in 2010. That was a very special experience. I probably watched one of the best games in Celtic’s history, so it was a great coincidence.”
Finally, you are still only 25 and have plenty of years ahead of you. Is your dream to one day represent Norway’s senior national team as your father did?
“Of course, that is a dream of mine. I have to be realistic because there are a lot of good players in Norway right now, but you should never say never. If I keep playing well and working hard, you never know what can happen. It would definitely be a dream come true.”
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