Erling Haaland makes feelings clear to Bernardo Silva after Martin Odegaard tackle
Erling Haaland had no time for ex-Man City team-mate Bernardo Silva after the latter's clash with Martin Odegaard (Image: (Photo by Boris Streubel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
Erling Haaland appeared unimpressed with Bernardo Silva after his late challenge on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. The two former Manchester City teammates crossed paths at the end of Norway's Nations League defeat to Portugal but Haaland was seemingly not interested in speaking to or even looking at the 32-year-old.
Cameras caught the briefest of interactions between the duo after the full-time whistle with Haaland opting out of a prolonged hug after their initial handshake. Anger at the defeat could have been his reason for the snub but the needless kick-out at Odegaard may have been the source of his anger.
Silva, who came on to help see out his nation's 2-1 win, was booked for swiping at the ankles of Odegaard in the final knockings. The latter tried to shake off the knock but was seen limping for the remainder of the game.
He and Silva also exchanged some angry words with Odegaard also speaking on the incident after the game. He said: "It doesn't belong on a football field. It's a shame that people do that.
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"It's a head fog from him. Just kicks me down long after I've played the ball away. I don't understand what he's doing."
Silva's reply to journalists enquiring about the heated moment as he passed through the mixed zone was, "it's football, my friend."
Odegaard and his international teammate Haaland may have not seen it that way, however, with the latter in much better spirits when speaking to Ruben Dias moments later.
Man City's alleged 114 financial breaches may have been the topic of their conversation with that dominating much of the build-up to the fixture.
Erling Haaland was left frustrated by Norway's defeat
Haaland was due to address journalists ahead of the match, but Norway opted to pull him out of those commitments with Benfica pair Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup filling in.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken addressed the decision during his pre-match press conference and acknowledged he was hoping to see Haaland just concentrated on the challenge ahead.
Despite the possible disruptions, his desire was fulfilled as Haaland still participated, completed the entire 90 minutes and found the net. Despite that, Norway lost the game but will likely just be grateful that Odegaard appears to have escaped an ankle problem ahead of two more Nations League fixtures.
The 27-year-old will believe he has a strong opportunity to secure a second Premier League title following City's guilty verdict.
It is understood there will be an appeal, but should that prove unsuccessful, City could face a points sanction substantial enough to remove them from the title contest and potentially send them down.
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