Hareide says no

ByReuters

Published 18/11/2003 at 16:26 GMT

Rosenborg Trondheim coach Age Hareide on Tuesday turned down a request by the Norwegian Football Association to take over the national team when Nils Johan Semb steps down. Follow eurosport.com/.co.uk's LIVE coverage of the return leg between Norway and S

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"I have not said 'Yes' to the job as coach for the national team," Hareide told reporters. Hareide's contract with Rosenborg runs until the end of 2005.

Semb has said he will resign after the Euro 2004 playoff against Spain in Oslo on Wednesday if his team do not overturn the 2-1 first-leg deficit and qualify for the finals.

If Norway do reach the finals in Portugal, he will lead the team there and step down when his contract ends after the tournament.

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