Solbakken blasts Haaland ‘lies’ after Norway defeat to Portugal
Erling Haaland scored again for Norway but could not prevent a 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal in Oslo on Sunday, with the Manchester City striker finding the net for the third time during the current international window.
Haaland started the match despite the attention around his cancelled media appearance the previous day. After the final whistle, he was seen speaking at length with Portugal defender and Manchester City colleague Ruben Dias.
Media change explained
- Haaland had been due to face journalists on Saturday before Norway’s Portugal fixture.
- Norway instead sent Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup to the press session after the striker was removed from the schedule.
- The switch came soon after a reported decision connected to Manchester City’s alleged financial-rule breaches, prompting suggestions that City had wanted Haaland kept away from questions on the case.
- Norway coach Stale Solbakken rejected that claim and said Manchester City played no part in the decision.
Solbakken said he had not discussed media arrangements with City since Haaland’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund. “That was the last time I spoke to City about the media,” he said.
The Norway boss said the call was his alone and that Haaland had not been told in advance. He explained that he told the forward he was free to attend if he wished, but was exempt from doing so.
Solbakken branded the speculation false and said it called his integrity into question. He stressed that he tries to be open in charge of what he described as the people’s national team.
What happens next
Norway still have two Nations League meetings with Wales and a return match against Portugal to play.
Once international duty ends, Haaland will return to Manchester City ahead of a major Premier League trip to Anfield, where Enzo Maresca’s side face Liverpool.
