Molde v Club Brugge Preview | Ronny Deila returns to Norway for Conference League clash

Ronny Deila will return to Norway once again in this seasons Europa Conference League for his sides clash with Molde in the last 16. The former Celtic manager used to manage Vålerenga from Oslo between 2016 and 2020. He managed 107 games for the side in that time. However, he was unable to repeat his success at Strømsgodset IF where he won both the Norwegian cup and the league.

Deila’s Club Brugge side will be favourites for the clash, having already beaten the countries champions FK Bodø/Glimt both home and away during the competitions group stages. Club Brugge won their group and avoided the round of 32, while Molde came out on top against Polish side Legia Warszawa.

Club Brugge come in to the clash after a 3-0 win over Genk. This was a much needed confidence boost for the side having been knocked out of the cup during the week. The Conference League remains their only chance of silverware this season. It is likely that Simon Mignolet will still be out, so Nordin Jackers will be in goal after impressing at the weekend. Since his big money move to Brentford, Thiago has not added to his 26 goals in 42 games for the club.

Molde are yet to start their league campaign for 2024. They overcame Legia by winning both legs, 3-2 in Norway and then 3-0 in Poland.