Solbakken's Haaland Plan: Alternative Training for World Cup Peak

Norway's national football team coach Ståle Solbakken has detailed a specific strategy to prepare star striker Erling Haaland for the upcoming World Cup. Solbakken acknowledged Haaland's demanding schedule, noting he is among Europe's most-played players. To ensure the Manchester City forward can perform at his best, a customized training regimen is being developed.

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He is the player who has played the third or fourth most in Europe. He will receive a tailored program leading up to the Morocco match on June 7 in the USA.

"He is the player who has played the third or fourth most in Europe," Solbakken stated during a press conference. "He will receive a tailored program leading up to the Morocco match on June 7 in the USA." Haaland has participated in 58 matches since August 1, placing him 17th in Europe for playing time this season, according to Sofascore.

Solbakken is in close contact with Haaland and Manchester City's physical therapist, Mario Pafundi. "I have been in good contact with Erling, and we have Mario close by, and doctors and physical therapists have contact with Mario and Erling," Solbakken explained. He confirmed speaking with Haaland as recently as Monday. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola previously described Haaland as "exhausted," and the player himself expressed criticism of the match schedule in January. Haaland was rested for Norway's March friendly against the Netherlands.

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We will tailor a special program for that body, so he can have a World Cup where he can perform at his best. That plan is more or less laid out, but not in detail. He needs some alternative training from time to time.

The coach declined to provide specific details about the "alternative training" but emphasized its importance. "We will tailor a special program for that body, so he can have a World Cup where he can perform at his best. That plan is more or less laid out, but not in detail," Solbakken said. Norway faces Sweden in a friendly on June 1, but Haaland's participation is undecided, with Solbakken promising he will not play the full 90 minutes. However, he anticipates Haaland will play a significant role in the match against Morocco in New Jersey six days later. The coach stressed that Haaland's fitness is paramount for Norway's World Cup opener against Iraq on June 17, stating, "He is super motivated and looking forward to it, but it is very important for me, you, the king, and the whole nation that his body is in order for the match against Iraq."

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He is super motivated and looking forward to it, but it is very important for me, you, the king, and the whole nation that his body is in order for the match against Iraq.