Solbakken Meets Maresca Over Haaland’s Norway Availability
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken has opened a direct line of communication with Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca after visiting the club’s training ground to discuss Erling Haaland’s availability ahead of a demanding international period.
Why the contact matters for Norway
Solbakken watched a City training session before holding a private meeting of around 20 minutes with Maresca. Haaland’s physical condition and potential workload were central to the discussion, with the striker a key player for both Manchester City and Norway.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Meeting length | 20 minutes |
| Norway squad size | 25 players |
| Denmark v Norway | September 24, Ullevaal Stadion |
| Norway v Portugal | September 27, Ullevaal Stadion |
| Wales v Norway | October 1 |
| Portugal v Norway | October 4 |
The Norway manager said it was important to establish trust early in Maresca’s time at the Etihad Stadium. He and the City coach exchanged contact details and spoke about the responsibility they share over Haaland, following the strong working relationship Norway had previously maintained with Pep Guardiola and the club.
Solbakken said Norway had not been asked by City to hold Haaland back from international fixtures. However, he stressed that openness will be essential if there is a period in which the forward has accumulated an exceptionally heavy number of matches. Haaland was rested for two Norway games in the build-up to the World Cup, and Solbakken believes similar decisions can be considered where circumstances warrant them.
Nations League schedule increases the pressure
Norway begin their Nations League A campaign with two home matches at Ullevaal Stadion, facing Denmark on September 24 before Portugal visit three days later. Solbakken’s side then travel to Wales on October 1 and return to Portugal on October 4.
The manager does not believe Haaland requires an immediate break, but accepts that the position will need watching as the winter calendar becomes more congested. The same principle applies to captain Martin Odegaard, with Solbakken already in regular contact with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta over the midfielder’s load.
Solbakken said that particular attention and pressure will always surround Haaland and Odegaard. He views the new relationship with Maresca as an important addition to Norway’s existing communication with Arteta.
Premier League players assessed ahead of selection
Solbakken also used a week of Premier League visits, including trips to Anfield and Old Trafford, to assess other members of his group. He described Sander Berge’s performance for Fulham against Liverpool as “rock solid” and rated it as the midfielder’s best display of the season so far.
Oscar Bobb was also watched during an hour-long appearance at Anfield. Solbakken was encouraged by the youngster’s involvement but felt the attacker must become more decisive in shooting situations after choosing to pass on opportunities in front of goal.
New defenders brought into the 25-man group
Four new players have been included in Solbakken’s 25-man squad following the summer tournament, with Bodo/Glimt pair Odin Bjortuft and Fredrik Sjovold among the fresh additions.
Bjortuft has been close to selection on previous occasions, while Sjovold had previously entered a Norway camp but had to leave immediately. Solbakken cited Sjovold’s European performances for Bodo/Glimt and said the defender had earned the chance to spend time within the senior setup despite intense competition for places.
Workload decisions remain open
Haaland’s minutes will continue to be assessed as club and international commitments build, while Norway will use the forthcoming camp to judge how the new squad members handle the demands of senior international football.
