“Why Was He Playing?”: Erling Haaland’s Injury Brings Harsh Criticism on Norway National Team Coach

As club action halts, soccer fans look forward to the international friendlies. But the excitement dies after receiving bad news, especially getting to know a player is injured. Sadly, a similar kind of cloud has cast a shadow on Erling Haaland, as he picked up an injury while playing for his side, Norway, against Faroe Island. While fans continue to grapple with the news, his national team coach is getting scrutinized. 

Despite coming off the bench while his side was 2-0 up, the Norwegian boss has been questioned about why he used the recent Gerd Muller Award winner, especially for a friendly. 

Norway boss slammed for using Erling Haaland

Last night, Norway’s 2-0 win against Faroe Island came at the cost of seeing Erling Haaland get injured. While it is yet to be determined when he’ll return, his coach, Ståle Solbakken, has become a subject of criticism. On ESPN, host Kay Murray presented a pressing question: “Why was he even playing?”

Interestingly, Norwegian pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft claimed he himself had a discussion with Solbakken regarding Haaland’s availability. He claimed that the 23-year-old loves to play for his national team and even neutralized the idea that injuries can be picked up anywhere. Yet Haaland was slammed by Steve Nicol, who claimed that the striker should have been sensible and realized how important he is for Manchester City. 

“If there’s anything at all he should have used his brain and said ‘Look, get me off,'” said Nicol. Additionally, Craig Burley also added, “Use your brains. Faroe Islands? Home? Come on!” While insisting it’s not entirely Haaland’s fault, Jan Aage criticized Solbakken, saying, “I think, that was, my mate is the national coach, who stole the soul bucket; he should have taken the responsibility.” The pundit claimed he even tweeted, “Take him off!” knowing that they were already winning the game. 

Be that as it may, it is quite sad to see Haaland get injured. Certainly, his national coach must be contemplating his decision to bring him in the second half. Certainly, this gives a huge blow to his domestic side, Manchester City. 

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A huge blow for Manchester City ahead of crucial match

Haaland’s injury is definitely not good news for Manchester City. The situation becomes more grave after knowing that the Cityzens are set to face Liverpool next week. Although it is still not clear how long the young striker may be sidelined, if he fails to recover before the much-awaited clash, then it is without a doubt a huge setback for the Blue side of Manchester. 

Notably, it is the same injury that Haaland had previously suffered last year, during the clash against Bournemouth. Now, it seems to have relapsed. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how Pep Guardiola manages in his absence. All hope is now on the medical tests that will reveal the extent of his injury. 

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