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Haaland posts clear message to Dortmund fans after storming off pitch
Paul Macdonald
- Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
- 6 min read
Erling Haaland has promised to use his frustration as motivation in future matches for Borussia Dortmund after storming off the pitch.
Dortmund striker Haaland continued his fantastic individual season with two goals against Cologne on Saturday.
READ MORE: In-demand Erling Haaland storms off after Dortmund draw
One of those strikes arrived in the last minute, but it could only salvage a 2-2 away draw.
It was a result that left Dortmund four points outside the top four in the Bundesliga, with a return to the Champions League – a tournament they have reached the quarter-finals in this season – looking increasingly difficult.
Haaland had given Dortmund an early lead but Cologne hit back and looked destined for victory before his late intervention.
The 20-year-old expressed his frustration at having to settle for a point as soon as the final whistle was blown.
Haaland threw his shirt to one of the Cologne players, Jorge Mere.
He then marched straight down the tunnel looking visibly frustrated.
But Haaland promptly took to social media after the match to send a message to Dortmund fans.
While he has been consistently linked with a huge transfer to almost all of Europe’s biggest clubs, the striker insisted his focus was on turning the situation around for BVB.
We will use this as motivation – Haaland
Haaland wrote: “Not a great result. We will use this as motivation to be back stronger!
“Thanks to all the Borussia Dortmund fans for your continued support. We’ll be back soon!”
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Haaland has scored 21 goals in as many Bundesliga matches this season.
The Norway forward has most recently been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Real Madrid.
He is gearing up for another huge test of his credentials after the international break.
As well as a crucial league match with Eintracht Frankfurt, Dortmund will meet Man City, whose manager Pep Guardiola praised him this week, in the Champions League last eight.
That will be a huge transfer audition for Haaland, as clubs ponder whether to make a huge offer to try and tempt Dortmund this summer, with his reported exit clause not activating until 2022.
READ MORE: Guardiola has no regrets over Sancho
Haaland is the Champions League top goalscorer this season with 10 goals in just six games.
The mouth-watering City tie is one that will also see Jadon Sancho do battle with his former club.
Dortmund have previously said the financial implications of securing Champions League football for next season will be key to their hopes of keeping Haaland and Sancho.
