Erling Haaland's absence from Norway's pre-match press conference against Portugal caused a stir: the striker was among the players selected to speak to reporters, but the schedule was changed at the same time that news broke in England of Manchester City's guilt, accused of violating 114 financial regulations. In Norway, this timing fueled suspicions that the English club was behind the decision, interested in avoiding uncomfortable questions about its striker.
This interpretation infuriated Solbakken, who refused to give credence to the story. The Norwegian coach explained that Haaland was deliberately spared from the conference without any pressure from City: it would be a decision by the national team, so that the striker could focus solely on the match, without having other commitments.
Solbakken furious over Haaland and City rumours
The case was raised by Jan Petter Saltvedt, a journalist for NRK, according to whom it would be difficult not to be suspicious of the immediate change of program. From Norway, everyone assumed an intervention by Manchester City to avoid questions about his situation, but Solbakken responded to the media without gloves: "You say s**t from A to Z. It's a lie". The coach assured that he does not discuss these issues with the Citizens and that Haaland's media management is decided only by the National Team.
The coach also challenged journalists, saying he would show them emails and messages to prove the truth. Haaland was given a break to allow him to focus exclusively on the match, also because of the earthquake that has affected City: the time available to the Norwegian is limited and Solbakken wants it to be used in the best way, without any unnecessary situations. But he categorically denies the hypothesis that the influence of the English club lies behind the choice.
