Norway national team manager Stale Solbakken has vehemently denied explosive claims that Manchester City dictated a media blackout to protect star striker Erling Haaland from answering questions regarding the club’s massive financial breach scandal.
Rumors swirled across sports media suggesting that Manchester City officials intervened behind the scenes to shield Haaland from intense journalistic scrutiny while on international duty with Norway, allegedly instructing the coaching staff to limit his media exposure.
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In a chat with TribalFootball, an irate Solbakken dismissed the conspiracy theory entirely, labelling the claims as absolute falsehoods that undermine both his professional independence and the national team’s operational integrity.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone at Manchester City about the media since Erling was to move from Dortmund to City. That was the last time I spoke to City about the media.
“It’s a lie. It also undermines my integrity. I go to great lengths to be honest because this is the people’s national team. I try to give my all and that of the team.
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“This was a decision I made without informing Erling. I just said: ‘You can let this go. If you want to go, then you go. But for me you are exempt’.”
Solbakken expressed frustration that external controversies surrounding his club career continue to overshadow Haaland’s performances for his country, urging media outlets to focus on football rather than fabricated cover-up narratives.
