Norway Coach Meets Enzo Maresca to Discuss Erling Haaland's Workload at Man City

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken travelled to Manchester for talks with City boss Enzo Maresca, discussing how best to manage star striker Erling Haaland through an already busy season. The meeting, held at the City Football Academy, marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two coaches.

Solbakken watched part of City's training session before sitting down for a 20-minute private conversation with Maresca. The main topic was Haaland's welfare and availability, given how important the striker is to both club and country. Solbakken said afterwards that he was pleased with how the meeting went, stressing the value of building trust early in Maresca's time at the Etihad.

"It was very important," Solbakken told VG. "We had a very good conversation. We got to know each other a bit. We have had a very good relationship with Guardiola and City during my time as national team coach. It is important with regard to Erling. I got to present myself, we exchanged phone numbers, and we had the first conversation around the fact that Erling is an important man for both. I think it is important that we have met each other to have good communication."

The visit came during a hectic week for Norwegian players in the Premier League, with trips to Anfield and Old Trafford among the fixtures. Solbakken said he does not see an immediate need to rest Haaland, but admitted the situation will need close attention as the season moves into its busier winter period.

"We talked a bit about the state of things. Erling is important and we shall be open and honest with each other," Solbakken said. "We have never received any hints from Manchester City to save Erling in international matches. The most important thing for me is that we continue to be open with each other. If there are opportunities here and there, then we give him a break when he has played extremely many games. He stood over a couple of the national team's games leading up to the World Cup."

Managing player workload is becoming an increasingly pressing issue for Norway, who face a demanding run of fixtures in Nations League A. They open their campaign with back-to-back home games at Ullevaal Stadion, hosting Denmark on September 24 and Portugal three days later, before travelling away to face Wales on October 1 and Portugal again on October 4.

Haaland is not the only player Solbakken is keeping tabs on. He also maintains regular contact with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta over Martin Odegaard's workload. Elsewhere, Solbakken praised Sander Berge's performance for Fulham against Liverpool, describing it as "rock solid" and the midfielder's best display of the season. He was more critical of Oscar Bobb, though, suggesting the young forward needs to be more selfish in front of goal after turning down chances to shoot during his hour on the pitch at Anfield.

"There will always be special issues and pressure on Martin and Erling," Solbakken said. "Mikel Arteta we have had good contact with, and now the conditions are in place for us to have a good tone with Enzo Maresca as well."