Quality Time | Bjørn Inge Utvik, presented by GE Appliances

In this edition of 'Quality Time' presented by GE Appliances, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Bjørn Inge Utvik shares some stories on his adjustment to MLS, what it was like to play alongside Erling Haaland with the Norwegian National Team in his youth, and much more.

"Each game feels like a different challenge, and I feel I'm developing a lot as a football player with every match. Moreover, the group of players and coaching staff is amazing, so I feel like I'm learning new things every day and making progress. I’m really enjoying it. "

How’s it been settling into life in MLS?

It has been very good. There have been a few new challenges for me, as the style of play in MLS is somewhat different. The game is a bit more open, with lots of counter-attacks. Additionally, the three-back system we use presents new challenges, such as defending 1v1 in wide channels, which I really like. Each game feels like a different challenge, and I feel I'm developing a lot as a football player with every match. Moreover, the group of players and coaching staff is amazing, so I feel like I'm learning new things every day and making progress. I’m really enjoying it.

Did you watch much of MLS before coming here? How much did you know about the league?

I watched a little bit. I knew some players from the Norwegian League, like Jakob Glesnes [from Philadelphia Union], Sigurd Rosted [from Toronto FC], and Birk Risa [from New York City FC]. I watched some of their games, but I wasn’t following the league closely. Now, I try to watch more games since I'm in the same time zone and we have the MLS Season Pass. It’s much easier to keep up now.

Has there been a particular aspect of the league that’s really amazed you?

Yes, the facilities in the league have really impressed me, especially the stadiums. In Norway, the stadiums are much smaller and often less filled. Here, every team has quite large stadiums with good attendance. It's hard to pick the best one, but overall, the stadiums are impressive, the pitches are excellent, and the facilities are quite modern.

What were your initial thoughts about coming to a city like Vancouver? What were those first conversations like when the club was trying to recruit you?

I did some research about the city and the club. I had meetings with the coaching staff, Axel Schuster, and Quinn Thompson, so I learned quite a bit about the club’s approach and football philosophy. I also looked into the city and thought it looked amazing. Now that I’m here, it’s even better than I expected. Vancouver is a big, modern city with the ocean, mountains, and much more. It’s a perfect place for both me and my family.

Do you, your wife, and your daughter have a favourite place to go in the city?

We don’t have a favourite spot yet, but we frequently visit the parks in our area so our daughter can play and socialize with other kids. We also enjoy walking along the seawall when the weather is nice. It’s one of the best parts of the city for me. We live just a 50-meter walk from the seawall, so during the summer, we go there almost every day for a walk. It’s a great experience.

If you had to choose between the weather in Vancouver and Norway, which one do you prefer?

I’m from the west side of Norway, where it rains a lot. The weather here is generally much better and warmer. This summer has been particularly amazing for me.

What has it been like to play at BC Place in front of the home support?

It’s been nice. The game against Miami, with over 50,000 people in the stands, was incredible. Even the regular games with around 25,000 to 30,000 spectators have a great atmosphere. When we score a goal and the stadium erupts, it’s a fantastic feeling. The turf at BC Place is fine with me; I’m used to playing on turf from Norway, so I don’t mind it. Overall, BC Place is an amazing stadium.

What’s it like to sing ‘Stand By Me’ with the fans after wins at BC Place?

It’s a great experience. Singing ‘Stand By Me’ after a win has become a signature part of our celebrations. It’s a wonderful feeling, and it’s why we work hard every day—to be able to celebrate wins with our fans at BC Place.

Not many people know, but you played on Norway's youth team back in the day alongside some of Norway's current big names. Could you tell us about a couple of those big names and what those experiences were like?

That’s true. I played with both the U-21 team and my generation for about four years. I was fortunate to play alongside Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, who are the biggest names from that period. Alexander Sørloth, who recently joined Atlético Madrid, and Julian Ryerson, who played in a Champions League Final for Borussia Dortmund, were also part of that group. It was a great experience. I noticed early on that Haaland had something special on the pitch and off it. He was very focused on recovery, nutrition, and everything needed to be the best player he could be. It was impressive, especially since he was very young at the time. Martin Ødegaard is also an exceptional player; he never lost the ball during possession games in training and made the right choices nearly every time. Both are among the best players I’ve ever played with.

Do you have a favourite moment in your career so far?

My debut in the top tier debut in Norway is definitely one of my favorites. Also, when we qualified with Sarpsborg for the Europa League group stage and played an away game against Maccabi Tel Aviv was a memorable moment. We scored a penalty with only five minutes left, which secured our place in the group stage. It was a huge achievement for the club and the fans. Here in Vancouver, my first start in the game against Toronto FC, which we won 4-0, was also a special moment for me.

Do you have a favourite TV series?

My favourite TV series is probably Prison Break.

Do you have a favourite type of food?

I really enjoy cooking. Since I moved out from home at 17, I’ve spent a lot of time in the kitchen. My wife calls me Chef Bjørn. If I’m going to cook something special, I might make a risotto with chicken or beef.