Haaland 'no different' after Man City verdict, Norway say
September 30, 2026 20:40
Norway's camp say Erling Haaland has shown no change in behaviour following the Premier League's confirmation of Manchester City's financial rule breaches. Haaland trained at Cardiff City Stadium and is set to play for Norway against Wales in Cardiff on Thursday (19:45 BST).
HOW THE CAMP DESCRIBES IT
Team-mate Kristoffer Ajer said Haaland had been "no different" since the news broke, adding: "He's been exactly the way he's always the same with the national team. He's truly focused on the upcoming games." Manager Ståle Solbakken described him as "very good" and "scoring goals", but refused to discuss private conversations, saying: "What we speak about is between him and me."
RECENT FORM AND CONTEXT
Haaland scored in Norway's 2-1 defeat by Portugal in Oslo and netted twice in a 3-2 win over Denmark, taking his international tally to 65 goals in 57 appearances. He signed for Manchester City in 2022 — four years after the final season included among nine seasons the club were found to have broken financial rules — and is regarded as the club's biggest star. Manchester City continue to deny any wrongdoing.
OTHER NOTES FROM NORWAY
The squad trained in Cardiff following a challenge from former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva that drew criticism. Solbakken praised Wales manager Ryan Giggs' successor Craig Bellamy for bringing "modern ideas" to the side and suggested Wales are low on confidence after missing out on the World Cup via a play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ajer said he expects a "very, very tough game" against a team he sees as similar to Norway in work ethic.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Norway face Wales in Cardiff on Thursday (19:45 BST). The squad remain focused on the Nations League fixtures amid ongoing media coverage of Manchester City's case.