Erling Haaland | Dortmund player

Zehner

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Maybe I’m just showing my age, but I think the kind of arrogant contempt shown by Haaland in these interviews, is really poor form. In response people criticise the quality of the questions, asking reporters to ask more insightful questions; but this deconstructs the purpose of these post match interviews. They are for the fans. While a soft ball question like “what’s your secret [after scoring 10 cl goals]?” Might technically merit a response like “hard work”; in reality fans want to hear more than that. He has every opportunity to segue into a more insightful response illustrating his mindset. There’s nothing edgy and cool about a multi-millionaire teenager acting all aloof and anti-establishment. He just looks like a cocky wanker.

Personally, I give little fecks about post match interviews, or interviews with footballers in general - the odd notable exception aside - but when during unprecedented circumstances (in which people have died) his response to running to the “yellow wall” in the now empty stands, his response is a smug “why not?”; rather than touching on the importance of fans, the circumstances faced by most (especially the poorest), and the meaning of the gesture - it’s hard not to think he’s a bit of a twat.

But hey, this is our culture now.
Homestly, watching post match interviews and press conferences makes me angry. Most of the time the questions are superficial and quite often journalists also have agenda, trying to create some gossip they can write about. There's nothing insightful or interesting in that, basically suggestive soap opera bull shit for football fans. And that's because it's easier to write about mentality, who has fallen out with whom and all that than saying something actually substantial which requires understanding the game on a higher level. Sport journalism these days is just ridiculous most of the time.

I especially hate when a team is in a crisis and they interview the coach. As a fan, there are usually so many questions you like to hear. Like why the coach is trusting player A and won't give player B a chance although he always delivers when he's subbed on, why he chose formation A with line up B instead of whatever alternative. But all you get is stuff like 'Mister C, your team lost today, is that due to a mentality problem?' or 'reports (we wrote by the way) say that X unfollowed Y's instagram page, are there tensions in the squad? Do they still stand behind the coach?'

So I absolutely love that he's taking the piss.
 

Skåre Willoch

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Great player, great character.

He'll figure the interviews out, he can't keep doing them likes this forever. At 19, he has 15 years left in the spotlight, and he can't be a dick in all of them.
 

Bebestation

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Maybe I’m just showing my age, but I think the kind of arrogant contempt shown by Haaland in these interviews, is really poor form. In response people criticise the quality of the questions, asking reporters to ask more insightful questions; but this deconstructs the purpose of these post match interviews. They are for the fans. While a soft ball question like “what’s your secret [after scoring 10 cl goals]?” Might technically merit a response like “hard work”; in reality fans want to hear more than that. He has every opportunity to segue into a more insightful response illustrating his mindset. There’s nothing edgy and cool about a multi-millionaire teenager acting all aloof and anti-establishment. He just looks like a cocky wanker.

Personally, I give little fecks about post match interviews, or interviews with footballers in general - the odd notable exception aside - but when during unprecedented circumstances (in which people have died) his response to running to the “yellow wall” in the now empty stands, his response is a smug “why not?”; rather than touching on the importance of fans, the circumstances faced by most (especially the poorest), and the meaning of the gesture - it’s hard not to think he’s a bit of a twat.

But hey, this is our culture now.
It's clear the fame & young success has got to his head a bit, I agree.
 
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Mourinhonista

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Always the same boring questions from the media and they're just waiting to write some bs in the papers. In addition players are forced to take the interviews from time to time.

Haaland is doing the right thing, IMO. Says what he thinks and be done with it quickly. Nothing to see.
 

Paxi

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Jesus some people need to wise up. He's clearly a character.
 

Hawks2008

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Dont see the problem really, interviewers always ask the most banal questions and footballers always give safe answers so it's refreshing to see something different.
 

yo@Kirk

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Sounds like Haaland learned interview technique from watching Bill Belichick tapes. Wise young man.
 

Tom Cato

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Maybe I’m just showing my age, but I think the kind of arrogant contempt shown by Haaland in these interviews, is really poor form. In response people criticise the quality of the questions, asking reporters to ask more insightful questions; but this deconstructs the purpose of these post match interviews. They are for the fans. While a soft ball question like “what’s your secret [after scoring 10 cl goals]?” Might technically merit a response like “hard work”; in reality fans want to hear more than that. He has every opportunity to segue into a more insightful response illustrating his mindset. There’s nothing edgy and cool about a multi-millionaire teenager acting all aloof and anti-establishment. He just looks like a cocky wanker.

Personally, I give little fecks about post match interviews, or interviews with footballers in general - the odd notable exception aside - but when during unprecedented circumstances (in which people have died) his response to running to the “yellow wall” in the now empty stands, his response is a smug “why not?”; rather than touching on the importance of fans, the circumstances faced by most (especially the poorest), and the meaning of the gesture - it’s hard not to think he’s a bit of a twat.

But hey, this is our culture now.
Considering that he actually gave a pretty lengthy answer to the question before this viral nonsense, this is yet another nothingburger. That being said, the reason this gets so much attention is because he's seemingly the only one who does it.

The bit that's funny to me is that he actually gives good enough answers to actual questions, but the standard "was it good to score a goal?" receives the trademark "Yes" response.

No one gets hurt,it's quirky, and I'm milly amused.
 

Harry190

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I wasn't expecting such a thick accent for a kid who was born and grew up in England. I know, short 4 years, but still.

It's not that thick, just surprising.
 
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Not gonna say any rubbish about him being 'found out', but he was pretty shocking today. His touch ruins so many attacks and his mind seemed a second behind every time Dortmund tried to break with one touch combinations. I didn't think they were similar at all when he first broke through but that aspect of his play really reminds me of Lukaku at times. Still, he should've won a pen and was starved of quality service for the most part. Hopefully he's not out for a while.
 

RUCK4444

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I just seen a highlight reel of his interviews!

Wow now I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon but he comes across as a complete weapons grade bell@nd in those clips.:lol:

There’s a difference between being a ‘character’ and speaking to people like that.
 

jamesjimmybyrondean

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I just seen a highlight reel of his interviews!

Wow now I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon but he comes across as a complete weapons grade bell@nd in those clips.:lol:

There’s a difference between being a ‘character’ and speaking to people like that.
What does this mean
 

kirk buttercup

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He is a super talent , I dont give a fiddlers what he says in interviews tbh. Today showed he is still raw enough as he got well covered by the Bayern Defence . He could go on to be a top top striker in my opinion. I cant see him being at Dortmund in two years time, but it is the perfect place for him to learn his trade .
 
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Ludens the Red

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I just seen a highlight reel of his interviews!

Wow now I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon but he comes across as a complete weapons grade bell@nd in those clips.:lol:

There’s a difference between being a ‘character’ and speaking to people like that.
He’s born and raised in Leeds, expected result really .
 

paraguayo

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With all the talk of teams having scientific scouting departments, that can track heartbeats of youngsters in Asia with a radar, or that know the diet of U13s in Colombia, why did Haaland go for only 20M?
 

Chipper

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VAR was in place. Don't know if they would have gone on to check it or not, but on BBC radio they said Dortmund took a quick corner and once the ball is in play again no checks can be made. The reporter felt they could have denied themselves a possible penalty by restarting play as fast as they did.

I haven't seen the incident.

Edit: I have now, I'd give a pen if I was the VAR guy:

Kind of hard to notice it on the original camera angle at full speed and nobody from Dortmund appeals so maybe it's just a case of everyone missing it until it was too late.
 
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RooneyLegend

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I worry about this type of striker in todays football. He's limited but lethal. The sort of striker that's perfect in 2 man front line but those are dwindling by the day. He'd have been perfect for our side in the Sir Alex years.
 
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The Don

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I worry about this type of striker in todays football. He's limited but lethal. The sort of striker that's perfect in 2 man front line but those are dwindling by the day. He'd have been perfect for our side in the Air Alex years.
I mean, I've heard of Air Jordan's, never seen the Air Alex before. Would totally buy them though.
 

Bebestation

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I worry about this type of striker in todays football. He's limited but lethal. The sort of striker that's perfect in 2 man front line but those are dwindling by the day. He'd have been perfect for our side in the Air Alex years.
I think if Haaland would have come then we would have lined up 352 throughout the season unlike just against the big boys. It leaves us with 2 right footed forwards and 2 left footed ones.
 

Sayros

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Yeah, he's a bit of an asshole, it's fine when you can back it up but looks silly when he has games like this, I don't really mind myself however he'll only make things more difficult for himself if he starts acting like this with the press already. It's fun as a viewer though.

As far as his performance, outside of a shot that should have resulted into a penalty, he was pretty invisible. This is the second game (the first being away at PSG) where he seemed completely neutralized by the team with the few chances he did have, also Dortmund struggled to release him in good positions. The few times they did, I thought he looked slow on his transitions from running to controlling the ball, and then transitioning from that to shooting the ball. He had one chance where he could have potentially been 1v1 from the center-right, but he seemed a little disjointed in getting the ball into a position for a good shot. It's strange because I know he's a very fast player, but sometimes he looks like a kid that just grew 7 inches over night and is getting used to moving his giant body.
 

Peyroteo

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He wasn't bad at all actually, it's just tougher to look good when your team doesn't have control of the game. Was clearly either injured or tired in the second half though but the difference between when he was on the pitch and when he wasn't was like night and day. Bayern's defense had a much easier time from then on.

The way he stretches defenses with his pace and smart runs in behind is a nightmare for any defense, should have had a goal or won a penalty but was unlucky the ref missed it.
 

tenpoless

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The type of player you'd love if He's in your team and hate otherwise (unless if you still hold some hope of getting him in the future for your club).
The hatred towards him will only grow bigger as He becomes a better player.
His goal scoring record in combination with his age speak for itself.

I'm sure when Ronaldo was tearing the Premier League apart, only Utd fans truly loved him. A lot of other fans must have gotten sick of him.
 

AkaAkuma

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In terms of the interviews I think he just shows his age and maturity. He's still a teenager, I know If I ever have to speak to a teenager within my family I know its going to be like pulling teeth, 'yes', 'd'know' etc

Ofcourse he's very high profile, but the people putting him in this situation and clearly the lack of training is a problem. Perhaps put him in a joint interview with an older player - or maybe just dont interview a teenager :)
 

Sayros

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In terms of the interviews I think he just shows his age and maturity. He's still a teenager, I know If I ever have to speak to a teenager within my family I know its going to be like pulling teeth, 'yes', 'd'know' etc

Ofcourse he's very high profile, but the people putting him in this situation and clearly the lack of training is a problem. Perhaps put him in a joint interview with an older player - or maybe just dont interview a teenager :)
Sancho and Mbappe handle it just fine and they both have had a lot of attention as teens, Erling's just going the Ibrahimovic route. It can have its charm, but when he turns to the press officer in front of a journalist to say he's being asked stupid question, it's not about immaturity and it's not charming, it's just being an asshole. He'll figure out the right balance soon enough, I don't think he's a bad guy and those questions can be boring but he's better off having the press on his side and finding the right balance so he can keep being cheeky without going too far into twatish territory.

He could become the Gregg Popovich of football interviews.
 

AkaAkuma

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Sancho and Mbappe handle it just fine and they both have had a lot of attention as teens, Erling's just going the Ibrahimovic route. It can have its charm, but when he turns to the press officer in front of a journalist to say he's being asked stupid question, it's not about immaturity and it's not charming, it's just being an asshole. He'll figure out the right balance soon enough, I don't think he's a bad guy and those questions can be boring but he's better off having the press on his side and finding the right balance so he can keep being cheeky without going too far into twatish territory.

He could become the Gregg Popovich of football interviews.
I watched his press briefing upon joining Dortmund, its not as abrash as some of his other interviews, but he did look uncomfortable in the situation. I think its unfair to point to two other teenagers and say he should be like them. Maybe he has a problem speaking in public, maybe he gets anxious and it manifests itself as arrogrance?

He clearly liked the female journalist asking questions in the press conference I watched. She asked more thoughtful questions which engaged him. Whereas the questions he found difficult he batted away.

I think just give the kid a break.
 

Isotope

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He wasn't bad at all actually, it's just tougher to look good when your team doesn't have control of the game. Was clearly either injured or tired in the second half though but the difference between when he was on the pitch and when he wasn't was like night and day. Bayern's defense had a much easier time from then on.

The way he stretches defenses with his pace and smart runs in behind is a nightmare for any defense, should have had a goal or won a penalty but was unlucky the ref missed it.
True. His 120m compatriot didn't look that much also.
 

Sayros

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No, he is not at all. He has been very popular among his team mates in all his clubs. Always friendly and one who puts a smile on peoples faces. Also extremely dedicated and hard working. He's a good guy, only a bit..eh..strange.
I believe that, but he is a bit of an asshole to the media in the example I was talking about, regardless of how lame their questions can be, and it's okay...I have no problems with him being like that every now and then. I know that he's a good kid and I love his demeanor out on the field. I'm actually not attacking him, I'm a big fan but that doesn't mean he's always going to come off in a positive light, all this exposure is a massive adjustment and I like that he's not taking it too seriously.
 

7even

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Its impossible to fully judge a young character without spending some time with them so I will give Haaland some slack but he wasn’t exactly a charming young man with attitude in these interviews, more of a d*ckhead.

I don’t recommend him to take the same approach as Zlatan, if this was his intention. Only works if you’re born with natural charm and larger then life persona. Erling isn’t anywhere near that level yet. His talent is undeniable but he needs to work a little bit on his PR and his interviews technique.
 

Le Red

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Dont see the problem really, interviewers always ask the most banal questions and footballers always give safe answers so it's refreshing to see something different.
I just hate the rehearsed politically correct answers. I like to see athletes that have a mind of their own and refuse to be the template that people want them to be.
 

Righteous Steps

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Sancho and Mbappe handle it just fine and they both have had a lot of attention as teens, Erling's just going the Ibrahimovic route. It can have its charm, but when he turns to the press officer in front of a journalist to say he's being asked stupid question, it's not about immaturity and it's not charming, it's just being an asshole. He'll figure out the right balance soon enough, I don't think he's a bad guy and those questions can be boring but he's better off having the press on his side and finding the right balance so he can keep being cheeky without going too far into twatish territory.

He could become the Gregg Popovich of football interviews.
Yes and who doesn’t love Ibra?