Haaland Unfazed by Man City Verdict, Norway Teammates Say
Norway's Erling Haaland has shown no change in demeanor since Manchester City's financial rule breaches were confirmed, according to teammate Kristoffer Ajer, as Norway prepare to face Wales in the Nations League.
Erling Haaland has been unaffected by the verdict against Manchester City, according to his Norway teammates, as he prepares to play for the first time since the Premier League confirmed the club's financial rule breaches. Haaland kept away from media duties before and after Norway's Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday, when reports of City's guilty verdict first emerged.
Haaland, who signed for City in 2022, remains City's biggest star. He trained normally at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday, and Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer said the forward had been "no different" since the news broke. "He's truly focused on the upcoming games," Ajer said, adding Haaland is waiting to see the outcome while keeping his attention on Wales.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken deflected questions about any extra focus on Haaland, saying the forward was "very good" and "scoring goals," though he admitted Haaland missed a chance against Portugal he would normally finish. Solbakken declined to reveal whether he had spoken to the player about the situation.
Haaland could link up with Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard, who trained in Cardiff after a challenge from former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva drew criticism. Haaland has scored 65 goals in 57 appearances for Norway, including a goal against Portugal and two in a win over Denmark.
Solbakken praised Wales manager Craig Bellamy's impact, noting his "modern ideas," and suggested Wales are low on confidence after missing the World Cup via a play-off defeat on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ajer said he sees similarities between the sides, citing comparable populations and work ethics, and expects a tough, evenly matched game.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
