Norway manager Stale Solbakken said that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland completely ran out of steam against Scotland.
The 22-year-old goal machine started for his country in Saturday’s EURO 2024 qualifier – which was his first game since the Champions League final for City against Inter.
Norway ended up losing the game 2-1.
Haaland did actually give Norway the lead from the penalty spot.
But two late goals from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean gave Steve Clarke’s side three big points.
The result leaves Norway with just one point from their first three games. They are yet to win. Scotland are in a commanding position early doors with nine points out of nine.
Solbakken faced criticism for taking Haaland off on 84 minutes, with Scotland then going on to snatch the win. But the manager said he simply had no option.
Erling Haaland was completely shattered in late stages for Norway against Scotland
Speaking after the game, Solbakken explained that his decision to take Haaland off came about because the striker actually asked to be substituted.
He said (via Goal): “He asked to be changed. We kept him on the pitch 10-12 minutes longer. In the last few minutes he was on the field, we played with one less man. He was completely empty.
“He has only played 60 minutes several times before. We’re talking about it being 30 degrees, it’s applied. He ran out of steam.”
Haaland’s fatigue comes after a heavy first season with Man City.
The star probably played far more than most expected him to, given he had some injury problems at Borussia Dortmund.
It’s little wonder Erling Haaland is running on empty, as Man City superstar goes off against Scotland
Solbakken’s comments should come as no surprise really.
Haaland has just finished an incredible first season with City in which he played a lot of games.
He made 53 appearances across all competitions, and played 4131 minutes. That’s a huge output for someone who did pick up several injury niggles at Dortmund.
It is little wonder he is starting to feel the effects of fatigue now.
It is also worth noting that his sharpness will have taken a bit of a hit since the Champions League final, because the City squad have deservedly been partying a lot.
Norway have one more qualifier against Cyprus on Tuesday, and then Haaland is free to relax until City’s pre-season starts.
