Erling Haaland will not conduct media duties this weekend, with Norway boss Stale Solbakken confirming the striker is in good shape despite pulling out of the press conference following Manchester City's 115 charges verdict. The 26-year-old has linked up with the international camp as they prepare for their Nations League fixtures.
Norway got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 victory over Denmark on Thursday evening, with Haaland netting twice. However, it emerged on Saturday that he would not attend his nation's pre-match media duties ahead of Sunday's clash with Portugal.
Solbakken explains Haaland's absence
Solbakken has clarified that Haaland has been given permission to skip the event in order to focus on his football, rather than the external distractions surrounding Manchester City's guilty verdict on all but one of the 115 charges brought against them in 2023.
The head coach said: "Of course, it is because we want to concentrate and give him the best possible conditions to concentrate on the match. You all know what the topic has been for the last 24 hours."
"It has nothing to do with the Nations League and what we are going to do. A good example of that was the press conference Rodri had yesterday." He added: "Therefore, I think it is timely that he concentrates on what he should do, and that is to score goals for Norway. And I think we all agree that that is the most important thing."
Rodri faced questions in Spain press conference
Rodri found himself facing a barrage of questions about the guilty verdict from journalists during Spain's pre-match press conference on Friday evening, with the team's player representative eventually bringing the session to an early close.
Solbakken also clarified that he wasn't responsible for the decision surrounding Haaland's absence, adding that the centre-forward should be available to start against Portugal on Sunday evening, and that "it's going well," for the talent within the Norway camp.
Chairman issues open letter to supporters
Meanwhile, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak issued an open letter to supporters on Saturday afternoon, emphasising how the club will continue to maintain their innocence, as they have consistently done throughout. The club are also anticipated to appeal Friday's verdict.
His letter read: "I have been part of this Club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul. This Club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again - how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.
"Following Friday's media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I. Here's what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club's innocence is just as strong as when this began."
"There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
"I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 (also below). Every word matters and holds true."
"While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity."
"We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium - moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support."
