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Pep Guardiola Explains Tense Erling Haaland Chat
Pep Guardiola has lifted the lid on what looked to be a tense conversation between himself and Manchester City’s talisman, Erling Haaland, after the 3-2 victory against Leeds United.
Phil Foden secured a late win for the Citizens at the Etihad after the visitors had clawed their way back from 2-0 behind to equalise in the second-half. Foden’s first-minute strike was followed up by a Josko Gvardiol effort, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha threatened to ruin Guardiola’s day.
Guardiola Will Have Big Concerns Over 4/10 Man City Dud Who Nearly Cost Him vs Leeds
Manchester City only just about got across the line vs the Whites.
Haaland was unusually quiet on Saturday afternoon, as he failed to become the quickest player to reach 100 Premier League goals. Still waiting to hit his century goal, the Norwegian looked frustrated at full-time when his manager approached him.
Pep Guardiola Calms Erling Haaland Down
While Guardiola looked like he was trying to calm his star striker down in the centre of the pitch, Haaland appeared to try and get away from his manager as words were exchanged.
It was unclear exactly what had irked the 25-year-old forward after City’s last-gasp winner, but it appears it was the lack of his name on the scoresheet. Guardiola was quizzed about what he said to Haaland in his post-match interview. He responded (per Metro):
“He’ll do it [get his 100th goal] next game.
“Just we talk about rest. He has a huge body. Minutes, minutes, in that moment you’re fresh.”
So the original frustration came from the fact he hadn’t scored a goal, while Guardiola eventually got a smile out of Haaland as the conversation ended with smiles all around.
Expanding on the ‘rest’ the Norway international needs, his Catalan-born coach added: “Rest [is] not just the legs [pointing to his head]. It’s not like Phil or Jeremy [Doku], they can rest. Erling is a big man. We need him so much.”
Crucial Week Ahead in the Title Race
Man City put the pressure back on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal with their late win vs Leeds. The Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table was cut to four points ahead of their Super Sunday clash against Chelsea.
An already difficult game to contend with, the Arsenal players will no doubt feel an extra need to get more points on the board with the experienced Citizens keeping within touching distance. Guardiola’s men have been in this position before, and it’s never wise to bet against them.
A mid-week trip to Fulham and then a home clash against Sunderland are still to come for the men in sky blue in the next week. If results go their way, Man City could be even closer to the summit. Haaland remaining fit – to Guardiola’s point – will be vital for those matches and the rest of the campaign.
