Norway manager Stale Solbakken reckons keeping Erling Haaland fit has turned into an art form.
Manchester City striker Haaland is close to a return to action after missing the last seven games with a stress problem in his foot. But the Norwegian has managed to avoid the injury issues that plagued his final season at Borussia Dortmund before he joined City in a £52million in the summer of 2022.
And Solbakken has revealed how the City No 9 has to be handled with care to prevent his explosive style from blowing his body completely. Solbakken said: “It’s art! Erling has an explosive style of play.
“The package he has been given and then physically acquired will explode and perform maximum actions on Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday every week in a normal season. He is the type of player who lives on power and explosion. Those who are exposed to it must take even more care of their bodies than others. But Erling has the body of a god – and it means taking care of that type of body.
Haaland is a national hero in Norway – but Solbakken doesn’t think the people in his homeland understand that their local boy is now a world superstar. And the Norway coach also warned that last season’s 52-goal striker is further improving.
Solbakken said: “I think we in Norway have a bit of a hard time taking on the status that Erling has on a worldwide basis. That the BBC voted him sports star of the year ahead of Max Verstappen puts everything into perspective. But he is very good at prioritising what is most important – specifically performing on the pitch.
“Erling is becoming a better and better leader. He becomes more and more mature, he gains more and more experience. In many areas he is getting better. And when he approaches 30, his body may not be as strong, but then Erling will play even trickier and smarter.”
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