Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has held talks with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca about the management of Erling Haaland ahead of Norway’s upcoming Nations League campaign.
Solbakken travelled to Manchester and met Maresca at the City Football Academy as part of efforts to establish a strong working relationship with the new City boss and discuss Haaland’s workload and availability.
The meeting is particularly important because Haaland remains a key player for both Manchester City and Norway. Solbakken said the conversation was positive and stressed the importance of maintaining good communication with the Premier League club over the striker’s situation.
Solbakken also observed part of Manchester City’s training session before holding a private meeting with Maresca. The Norway coach said there was no immediate need to give Haaland a break, although his workload will continue to be monitored as the season becomes increasingly demanding.
Haaland has started the new season in strong form for City. He scored twice in the club’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Porto on September 8, taking his City tally to 167 goals.
The Norwegian striker was also among the leading names on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after scoring 58 goals for Manchester City and Norway during the previous campaign.
Norway’s Nations League campaign begins on September 24 against Denmark before Portugal visit Oslo three days later. Solbakken’s side will then travel to Wales on October 1 before facing Portugal away on October 4.
With a demanding club and international schedule ahead, Solbakken’s discussions with Maresca are aimed at ensuring Haaland remains fit and available while avoiding unnecessary workload concerns.
The meeting also marks the beginning of a closer relationship between the Norway coach and Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager. Both coaches will be keen to keep communication open as they manage one of European football’s most prolific forwards.