Norwegian manager Stale Solbakken has remarked that Manchester City attacker Erling Haaland is more prone to injury due to his dynamic style of play.
Manchester City attacker Erling Haaland has returned to training following his injury.
The Norwegian forward joined last season’s Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League winners City for £52 million in the summer of 2022 from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. Last season, Haaand lit up English football in his debut season at the Etihad, scoring 52 goals in 53 games in all competitions, and he has 19 goals in 22 games this season.
However, Haaland’s season has been halted while he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained in the Premier League defeat to Aston Villa last month. Solbakken, his national team manager, has now stated that maintaining Haaland in condition has become a “art.”
The City No.9 must be treated with caution, according to Norway’s management, to avoid his explosive style entirely blowing his body. “It’s art,” Solbakken explained to The Mirror. Erling plays with a high-energy style.
“In a normal season, the package he was given and then physically acquired will explode and perform maximum actions on Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday.” He is the type of player that thrives on raw power. Those who are exposed must take further steps to protect their bodies. But because Erling has a god’s body, he must take care of it.
“It’s also something I have to consider as a coach.” When we don’t have the ball, he has to be a part of what we do, but he can’t do it all the time. It’s too much for the body to handle. “How many times can he explode during a match?”
Haaland is a national hero in Norway, but Solbakken believes his people are oblivious of their hometown hero’s international fame. Furthermore, Norway’s coach warned that the 52-goal scorer from last season is improving even more.
“I think we in Norway have a bit of a hard time taking on the global status that Erling has,” he said. Everything is put into perspective by the fact that he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year ahead of Max Verstappen. However, he is exceptionally skilled at focusing what is most important, which is performing on the field.
“You’ve got to be a little cynical.” If you don’t value football, your body, and your preparations, things can quickly go awry. However, the fact that he is considerably better at the game’s build-up is encouraging.
“Erling is becoming a better leader by the day.” As he gains more and more experience, he grows older and wiser. He is making strides in a variety of areas. And while his physique may not be as powerful as it once was as he approaches 30, Erling will play even more deviously and intelligently.”