Haaland has body of a god... work of art, says Norway coach
NORWAY manager Stale Solbakken reckons keeping Erling Haaland fit has turned into an art form.
The Manchester City striker is close to a return 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 move 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-wednesdaysaturday 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. He has to be part of what we do when we don’t have the ball, but it’s not possible to ask him to do that constantly.
“The body can’t stand it. How many times during a match can he explode?”
Haaland, 23, is a national hero in Norway – but Solbakken does not think people in his homeland understand that their boy is now a global superstar. The Norway coach also warned that last season’s 52-goal striker will keep improving.
Solbakken said: “I think we in Norway have a hard time taking on the status that Erling has worldwide.
“That the BBC voted him sports star of the year ahead of Max Verstappen puts everything into perspective.
“Erling is becoming a better and better leader. In many areas, he is getting better.
“And when he approaches 30, his body may not be as str ong, but then Erling will play even trickier and smarter.”