Erling Haaland has apologized on Instagram for his reaction after the defeat against Austria (5-1). Or rather, his lack of reaction. The Norwegian captain went straight to the bus and ignored the journalists' questions. "That was very bad of me."
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Norway was completely overwhelmed by Austria in their latest Nations League B match, suffering a 5-1 defeat that left fans and players alike reeling.
Austrian media were quick to note their national team's dominance, describing the performance as one where the Austrians "devoured" the Norwegians entirely. For Norway, it was a humbling experience, and the aftermath was filled with disappointment, particularly for their star player and captain, Erling Haaland.
Haaland, usually a composed and vocal leader, was visibly upset following the loss. After the final whistle, he chose to head straight for the team bus, declining to engage with the waiting journalists. One reporter from the Norwegian newspaper VG even called out to him, "Erling, you'll stop for a moment, right?" But Haaland kept walking, ignoring the request. His lack of response sparked immediate backlash from the press and fans, who expected more from the team's captain after such a devastating defeat.
Recognizing the criticism, Haaland soon took to Instagram to offer a public apology for his behavior. In his post, he acknowledged his failure to engage with the media and expressed regret, stating, "Sorry, everyone. That was very bad of me. In November, we're going for six points." While the apology showed humility, for many in Norway, it wasn’t enough to repair the damage caused by his silence.
Norwegian media were quick to criticize Haaland’s actions. VG, one of the leading newspapers in the country, did not mince words, calling his behavior "a disgrace." They argued that, as captain, Haaland had a responsibility to face the press, especially after such a significant defeat. "If there's anyone you want to hear from after such a terrible collapse, it's the captain," they wrote. "That role demands something extra. You have to step up. If you're the captain, you have to stand there and say something it's as simple as that."
However, not everyone was critical of Haaland. Fulham midfielder and Norwegian teammate Sander Berge came to his defense, insisting that Haaland had the right to react the way he did. "He has the right to do this," Berge said in an interview. "You can feel the disappointment. As a team, we go through the ups and downs together. That's the most important thing." Berge’s comments highlighted the emotional toll the loss had taken on the entire squad, suggesting that Haaland’s reaction was understandable given the circumstances.
The loss has left Norway in a precarious position in Nations League B. After four matches, Norway, Austria, and Slovenia are all tied with seven points, making the upcoming games crucial for qualification. The only team lagging behind in the group is Kazakhstan, who have managed just one point so far. For Norway, their November fixtures will be make-or-break. First, they will travel to face Slovenia, followed by a must-win home game against Kazakhstan. Haaland's promise of "six points" in these games reflects the high stakes as the team looks to bounce back from this disappointing defeat and salvage their campaign.
Despite the criticism, Haaland remains Norway’s key figure as they head into these critical matches. His performance on the field will be crucial to their success, and his ability to handle the leadership pressures will be tested once again as the squad seeks redemption in November.
Updated: 10:47, 14 Oct 2024
