Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has angrily dismissed claims that Manchester City made the decision to withdraw Erling Haaland from press duties ahead of a Nations League match against Portugal, calling the reports a “lie” that undermines his integrity.
Haaland had been due to face reporters on Saturday, less than 24 hours after City's guilty verdict over 114 alleged financial breaches, but was replaced by Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup. Solbakken confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he was involved in the decision, and he has now revealed, after the 2-1 defeat to Portugal, that City made no request to keep Haaland away from journalists.
Solbakken hits back at claims
“I haven't spoken to anyone at Manchester City about the media since Erling was to move from Dortmund to City,” he admitted to VG, via Sport Witness. “That was the last time I spoke to City about the media.”
“It's a lie. It also undermines my integrity. I go to great lengths to be honest because this is the people's national team. I try to give my all and that of the team. This was a decision I made [giving him a day off on Saturday] without informing Erling. I just said: 'You can let this go. If you want to go, then you go. But for me you are exempt'.”
There had been claims in Norway that City made the final decision on Haaland's availability for the press conference, but those have been firmly shot down by Solbakken.
Haaland scores but Portugal win
The Norway boss has also attempted to play down the City charges - which continue to be denied by the club - and its potential impact on Haaland, having stated he should be focused on scoring goals, and he did exactly that on Sunday evening.
Haaland fired home a rebound early into the second half, but Portugal still came out winners in Oslo. He was directly up against City team-mate Ruben Dias, with the pair spotted in discussion after the game.
The Norwegian striker didn't extend the same warmth towards former City colleague Bernardo Silva, with cameras capturing only the briefest of interactions between them. Silva actually moved in for an embrace but appeared to be rebuffed by Haaland. Frustration over the result might explain that reaction, or perhaps simply because they're no longer club colleagues.
Other City players in action
Some observers have also pointed to the Real Madrid star's extremely late challenge on Martin Odegaard as a potential source of Haaland's irritation. Despite the threat of a points deduction hanging over them, other City players appear concentrated on their duties by also making their mark at international level.
Rayan Cherki provided an assist from the bench for France as they secured a late victory over Belgium on Monday. Last week, Nico O'Reilly also delivered the cross that Harry Kane nodded home via Marc Cucurella.
Later in that match against Spain, it was O'Reilly who surrendered possession in a dangerous position, allowing Alex Baena to score shortly afterwards. Marc Guehi also committed an individual mistake that Lamine Yamal capitalised on during the opening period.
