Haaland: BVB “started putting a lot of pressure on me” – Zorc is surprised at the criticism

decision about the future is near

This article first appeared at 9:19 a.m. and has now been supplemented with further statements.

Striker Erling Haaland feels pressured by Borussia Dortmund in deciding his future. “For the past six months I’ve decided not to say anything out of respect for Dortmund. But now the club has started urging me to make a decision,” said the 21-year-old Norwegian after the 5-1 win over SC Freiburg on Friday night on Norwegian broadcaster Viaplay Fotball. “But all I want is to play football.”

The top scorer and, with a market value of 150 million euros, the second most valuable player in the world, is under contract with BVB until 2024, but can leave the Revierklub this summer with the help of an exit clause for an alleged 75 million euros. Recently, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and FC Chelsea have been traded as interested parties. By the end of January, Dortmund are reportedly expecting a decision from the left foot, who is to be persuaded to stay beyond the summer with a substantial salary increase.

“They started putting a lot of pressure on me and I have to accept that,” Haaland said. Now is the time “for things to begin”. When asked when the ideal time to make a decision was, he replied: “Not now because we’re in the middle of a difficult phase with a lot of games. All I want is to play football, but I can’t right now.”

BVB boss Watzke: Haaland “must have a little understanding of our situation”

In a first reaction to Haaland’s statements, Managing Director Hans-Joachim Watzke tried to bring some calm to the subject. “Erling is a spontaneous person and still a young lad, he’s allowed to do that, that’s no problem. But he also has to have some understanding of our situation and when he wakes up tomorrow he will have that,” he said.Funk media group“. Don’t put pressure on Haaland. “There are currently no talks or appointments, so I can’t understand it.” The club can’t wait until May, “that will make sense to him too”.

Update 3:13 p.m.: Sports director Michael Zorc reacted similarly to Watzke. “There is no pressure, no talks, no deadlines or deadlines. But it’s also clear that we don’t want to wait until the summer to know what his decision will be, he’ll understand that too, that’s completely normal in football,” he told the “Bild” on Saturday.

Sebastian Kehl also puzzled over the attacker’s motives: “I don’t know why Erling said that. Maybe there was a bit of frustration because he was very angry about the late yellow card in the game and then was quite emotional afterwards much has been said and written about it – much of it has no basis whatsoever. We had and have a very good relationship with Erling, his father Alf-Inge and Mino Raiola.”

BVB signed Haaland from RB Salzburg in early 2020 for €20m. Since then he has risen rapidly and was one of the top 3 top scorers in the top 20 leagues in Europe last year, including all competitive games for club and national team.

The Erling Haaland interview with @JanAageFjortoft now with subtitles! pic.twitter.com/v39MPMzIOT

— Viaplay Fotball (@ViaplayFotball) January 14, 2022

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