ULLEVAAL STADION (VG) While Erling Braut Haaland (22) plays in the Champions League final two days before the national team meeting, Martin Ødegaard (24) manages to relax in warmer climates. Absolutely ideal, says national team manager Ståle Solbakken (55).
– Of course! If you have the opportunity to do so, Solbakken says with a sly smile when asked if we can conclude that “relaxing on the beach with your girlfriend” is the recommendation.
However, it is not all jokes and nonsense. The international matches against Scotland and Cyprus come after a long and tough season.
According to the statistics of the football website Transfermarkt, Martin Ødegaard has played 3,404 minutes for Arsenal this season, spread over 45 matches. In addition, there will be matches with Norway.
After Tuesday’s press conference, Solbakken told VG that “it would be idiotic to use force and rules” to force Erling Braut Haaland home early from the celebration of a possible Champions League triumph.
According to the Daily Mail, it will be held on Monday, the same day as Norway’s first “official” training session at the meeting.
– We have to remember that the boys there live an ascetic life eleven months a year, says Solbakken about Ødegaard finally having time to relax and do other things.
Last week, the Norwegian national team captain posted holiday pictures with dance pro Helene Spilling (27), who confirmed to VG that they are lovers.
– We advise not only him to do so, but also the others to take four or five days with something else now, says the national team manager.
Players who have had time to take a sufficient holiday are scheduled to meet at a pre-camp in Lillestrøm as early as Wednesday. Other players who have finished the season very recently or need a different arrangement, receive individual follow-up, explains Solbakken.
– In any case, I’m not very worried about his shooting, laughs Solbakken when VG asks if he perceives Ødegaard as “more playful and relaxed” for all the extra-sport attention he has received this season.
Norway will play two home matches against Scotland and Cyprus on 17 and 20 June. After a loss in Spain and a draw in Georgia, Norway should win both games to keep up with the battle for the top two positions in the qualifying group, which gives a ticket to the EC in Germany next summer.
24 teams will go to the EC next year. In addition to the pre-qualified host nation Germany, 20 teams get a place via this year’s EC qualification. The last three places go to teams that qualify via the Nations League play-offs in the spring.
