Ståle Solbakken – Manager of Norway – lost his temper when asked a question about Manchester City No.9 Erling Haaland today (Tuesday).
The 55-year-old was quoted by Bold.
So, what was asked about Erling Haaland? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, a journalist from VG insinuated that the Norway international picks and chooses when he wants to play for his country – and is only keen to play meaningful matches, rather than friendlies.
This did not go down well with Solbakken – to say the least.
The Norwegian reacted angrily, saying: “You are trying to bring out that he is not happy to play for Norway and that he canceled for that reason (in the friendlies against Ireland and Finland).
“It’s very ugly, and I almost think it’s nauseating. It annoys me, because it creates a wrong picture of reality. It’s bad journalism, and it’s fake journalism.”
Fair play to Solbakken.
Haaland already has enough pressure on his shoulders for a 23-year-old. That was made crystal clear in the quite ridiculous reaction to his recent run of three games without a goal.
Therefore, it is truly unfair to drag the Leeds-born striker’s character into question, and Solbakken deserves a lot of credit for leaping to the youngster’s defence like this.
Manchester City will hope Ståle Solbakken uses Erling Haaland wisely
Norway have two fairly insignificant matches during the upcoming international break – with all due respect – so Pep Guardiola will surely be hoping that Haaland is not risked unnecessarily.
Norway face the Faroe Islands in a friendly next Thursday, before a UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier against Scotland takes place on Sunday 19th November – although Solbakken’s side can no longer qualify.
Haaland has only just damaged his ankle in Saturday’s 6-1 win over Bournemouth, and while the £51.5m man has since returned to training, Manchester City will not want to see their talisman risked in these effectively meaningless fixtures.
