Ole Morten Iversen makes no secret of the fact that both Heidi Weng and Anne Kjersti Kalvå are missing, thus half the Norwegian relay team.
The last time they competed was the team of Therese Johaug, Helene Marie Fossesholm, Tiril Udnes Weng and Heidi Weng.
How Norway chooses to line up the team on Saturday remains to be seen.
"They carry the favorite"
But one thing that is certain, according to Ole Morten Iversen, is that the Norwegian relay team will not be considered favorites.
Instead, Iversen hands over the favorite to the Swedish ladies.
- We can not count on being up there, we are not a gold favorite.
Sweden, on the other hand, should be, of course.
Given their winter.
They carry the favorite in competition with the Russian team, he says and continues:
- But we aim for a medal, absolutely.
But both Sweden and the Russian team should be considered favorites before us.
What does the team look like on Saturday?
- The team is pretty much ready, but I do not want to reveal that now.
But before that, we will drive 10 kilometers, all discussions and thoughts about the relay team will continue after that, says Iversen.
Saturday's relay starts at 08.30 Swedish time.