The Norway Coach Travels to Manchester to Talk to Maresca About Erling Haaland

A lightning trip to accept the relationship with the new City coach

The Norway national team coach, Stale Solbakken, traveled to Manchester with a clear objective, to sit face to face with Enzo Maresca, the new Manchester City coach, to establish a good relationship with the new manager of the English club. The meeting lasted just 20 minutes, but it was enough to address the issue that concerns Norwegian football the most, the condition and availability of Erling Haaland, crucial for both City and his national team. Solbakken emphasized the importance of maintaining open and trustworthy communication with Maresca, just as he had with Guardiola, his predecessor on the City bench.o.

Haaland, Ødegaard, and the management of minutes

The Norwegian coach assured that he has not received requests from City to reserve Haaland for international matches, although he considers giving him a rest if he accumulates too many minutes. Norway will face a demanding schedule in the Nations League A, with matches against Denmark, Portugal, and Wales between September and October. Solbakken also stays in touch with Mikel Arteta to monitor the workload of Martin Ødegaard, the captain and brain of the team, who plays for Arsenal.

Compliments, requests, and a busy schedule

The Norwegian praised Sander Berge for his performance against Liverpool, but asked Oscar Bobb to be more selfish and look for the shot more, convinced that the young City player has room to hurt more in the opponent's area. With a busy schedule and eyes on the Nations League, Solbakken made it clear that his priority is to strengthen the relationships with the coaches of his key players. The lightning visit to Manchester was a demonstration of that intention, to talk, coordinate, and take care of Haaland, the man who can determine Norway's fate in the upcoming international challenge.

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