Erling Haaland has been excused from Norway's pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Nations League clash with Portugal, with head coach Stale Solbakken confirming the striker is in good spirits and focused on football following Manchester City's guilty verdict on 115 charges.
Haaland linked up with the national squad after scoring twice in Norway's 3-2 victory over Denmark on Thursday evening. However, news emerged on Saturday that the 26-year-old would be absent from media duties before the Portugal match.
Solbakken explains Haaland's absence
Solbakken 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."
He added: "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."
The coach continued: "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 faces questions at Spain presser
This follows Rodri facing a barrage of enquiries about the guilty verdict from journalists during Spain's pre-match press conference on Friday evening, ultimately prompting the squad's player representative to terminate the session prematurely.
Solbakken further clarified that the decision concerning Haaland's absence wasn't his to make, that the striker should be available to feature against Portugal on Sunday evening, and that "it's going well" for the talent within the Norway squad.
Club chairman writes to supporters
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak issued an open letter to supporters on Saturday afternoon, emphasising how the club will maintain their position of innocence, as they have repeatedly stated. The club are also anticipated to challenge Friday's ruling.
His letter stated: "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."
He added: "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."
Al Mubarak continued: "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."
He wrote: "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."
He concluded: "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."
