Stale Solbakken hits out at claims Manchester City influenced Norway’s Haaland media call | OneFootball

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has rejected claims Manchester City influenced his media plans, saying the choice to withdraw Erling Haaland from a press briefing was his alone. “I haven’t spoken to anyone at Manchester City about the media since Erling was to move from Dortmund to City. That was the last time I spoke to City about the media,” he said. He told VG.

Haaland had been due to speak on Saturday before the Nations League meeting with Portugal, but was replaced by Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup. The late change followed a reported ruling on City’s alleged financial breaches, prompting speculation about outside influence.

Solbakken condemned the rumour. “It’s a lie. It also undermines my integrity. I go to great lengths to be honest because this is the people’s national team. I try to give my all and that of the team.”

He added that the call was his and his alone. “This was a decision I made without informing Erling. I just said: ‘You can let this go. If you want to go, then you go. But for me you are exempt’.”

Haaland started Sunday’s Nations League match in Oslo and scored his third goal of the international break, but Norway were beaten 2-1 by Portugal. Norway now face two games against Wales and a return fixture with Portugal, before Haaland’s focus shifts to Manchester City’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, awaiting Enzo Maresca’s side.

Source: Goal.com

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