Erling Braut Haaland, National Team | Solbakken snorts at Haaland’s criticism

Manchester City – RB Leipzig 21.00:

ULLEVAAL STADION (Nettavisen): Despite 28 goals in 26 league matches, Jærbuen has come under fire from many opinion leaders in England.

• Jamie Carragher has speculated that Haaland picked the wrong club with the aim of getting the best out of him.
• Thierry Henry after Manchester City’s 1-1 win against Nottingham Forest thought the team had become more predictable after the signing of Haaland.

The striker was of course present when Ståle Solbakken made Norway’s squad for European Championship qualifiers against Spain and Georgia, and the national team manager also faced criticism for Norway’s biggest star by far.

– It’s a bit silly. Erling has done his job, but City may not be at the same level as they have been in recent seasons, he said on Tuesday.

– It can’t get better

He points out that Manchester City scores as many goals as it did in previous seasons, but they do not have the same flow as in the past.

They are not as superior in all matches as they have been in recent years. They fight a little more in some games, but Erling has done more than that.

The 22-year-old has eight more goals than Harry Kane, who is second on the all-time leading scorer for England.

He works hard and has become more involved in their game, while City have used him a lot in recent matches. There are absolutely no signs of danger, he plays in one of the best teams in Europe, and probably has the best and most worthy coach as his daily mentor, so things couldn’t get any better.

Leipzig meeting

Haaland will join the Norway national team over the weekend, but is preparing for Tuesday’s big meeting against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

City coach Pep Guardiola was also asked about Haaland at the club’s press conference on Monday and the Spaniard confirmed that the Norwegian should also contribute outside the opponent’s penalty area.

– I do not like the player to score goals only within the 16-meter area. It’s important and we need it from him, but in situations where the opponent can’t score goals outside the 16-metre penalty area, we need him to be more active, says the Spaniard.

On Tuesday evening, Leipzig coach Marco Rose plays the opposite half. Rose was Dortmund’s coach when Haaland played for the big German club and, like Solbakken, understands little criticism.

– I am really surprised by the criticism. He scored 28 goals in 26 league matches. “If you take away these goals, I don’t know where City will be in the league,” said the Leipzig boss, adding:

– I don’t really know what we’re talking about. Everyone knows Haaland’s qualities. We managed to defend well against him in the first half last time, but you’ll never be able to tame him completely.