Hauge took action after long-standing problems:

The first glimpse of improvement already came in the cup match against Cercle Brugge in midweek.

Bodøværingen came on from the bench and was responsible for a goal-scoring pass, which was decisive for Gent’s promotion.

On Christmas Eve, he started his first game for Gent in the league.

– It was nice to get the chance again. It has been a period of a lot of good training to prove that you are good enough, says Hauge to TV 2 in the catacombs at Ghelamco Arena after the 0-0 draw in the “Norwegian” match against Standard Liège.

Put out

He is quick to add:

– But there is still a way to go to be in the starting line-up every week.

– Whats missing?

– Get back some of what characterizes me as a player: Driven with the ball, the movement and the x-factors I have.

So part of the reason why AC Milan looked up to secure the Norwegian’s services back in October 2020.

But after the switch to German football the following year, there has been remarkably little to cheer about.

An innocent physical duel may have some of the blame for that. Back on April 2, 2022, when Hauge was an Eintracht Frankfurt player, things went wrong in a match against Greuter Fürth.

In an innocent duel with opponent Marco Meyerhöfer, he was unlucky and landed on him with his full weight.

It resulted in a broken ankle for the German. And a shaky Norwegian.

– It was uncomfortable. Not least because you take away from him the privilege of playing football every day. Everyone knows it was an accident, things like that can happen in football. I have spoken to him a couple of times afterwards. Good to see he’s back on the field. It was a disgusting experience, says Hauge.

Same doctor as Modric

Since then, Hauge has been loaned to AA Gent. It has also backfired there. Hauge sought advice from Doctor Domenico Gurzi, and allowed himself to be treated during the WC break.

The former Reggina and Den Haag player has made a name for himself treating footballers who are struggling physically and mentally.

Among those who are said to have visited him: Luka Modric.

In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, the Italian explains why he received a visit from Hauge.

– Jens Petter did not dare to complete a dribble because he was afraid of breaking his own leg. Besides, he didn’t want to take the risk of hurting anyone. He was both physically and mentally blocked, he says.

Much of the treatment took place out in the field, according to Gurzi. With terpings in the duel phases outside on a football field.

– I went there to work on things I need to work on. He deals with treatment that makes you feel much freer and relaxes more. You’re not that tense. It works very well, describes Hauge.

He admits to having been down a wave valley both physically and mentally.

– There have been problems with my body. Had it for a long time. Not been mobile and stuff like that. It’s only when you’re not playing and you’re feeling a little heavier in everyday life that you focus on it, he says and continues:

– When you feel that you are not getting what you can, you ask yourself a lot of questions. Why, what and how to solve things. That is strange. Used to things working much better. That you are easy and free in your step.

Hauge already knows a noticeable difference:

– I already notice that the body is starting to function more as it should. Difficult to explain. You feel light and free after he has treated me.

And a functioning body will come in handy for Europe-chasing Gent.

– Let’s hope he can continue in the same way after the New Year, with getting stronger. He has not played much this season, but we expect to see more from him, is the verdict from Gent manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck.