Erling Haaland issues Instagram apology after refusing to speak to press

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has taken to social media to express his regret over Norway's devastating 5-1 defeat to Austria in the Nations League on Sunday.

The forward was filling in as captain due to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard's absence , who was sidelined with an ankle injury from last month's international break. Despite setting a new record as Norway's highest-ever goalscorer with two goals in their 3-0 victory over Slovenia, Haaland and his team were humbled in Austria.

Inter Milan's Marko Arnautovic netted twice, with Philipp Lienhart, Stefan Posch and Michael Gregoritsch also scoring to add to Norway's woes. Post-match, Haaland chose not to speak to the Norwegian press, instead addressing the loss on Instagram.

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"Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part," he posted on his Instagram story. "In November, we go for six points."

His recent defeat and post-match silence have drawn criticism. Norwegian football commentator Kristoffer Lokberg told VG: "It's a shame. If there's anyone we want to hear from after a violent slump, it's the captain. How was it communicated out here? How do you think after the 3-1 goal?"

Fulham midfielder Sander Berge is among those to come out in support of Haaland. He said: "He has every right to that. You can feel the disappointment now. We as a team in there, we stand in ups and downs regardless. The most important thing is that we are united. That's how it is."

It's still unclear whether Odegaard will be fit again for the next international break in November. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said on Friday: "He is not going to be fit for this game (against Bournemouth). Next week will be a different story. He needs to clear some markers. Next week will be crucial to understand how close he is."

Norway's next two games, which are the final international fixtures of 2024, are against Slovenia and Kazakhstan. Haaland's team has made a decent start to its National League campaign, with seven points from four games. Austria and Slovenia also have seven points, while Kazakhstan just has a point to its name.