Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised Erling Haaland in the past but was full of praise after their game with Newcastle.
Pep Guardiola made sure every Manchester City player knew how good Erling Haaland’s defensive work was against Newcastle. The Norwegian striker could not add to his goal tally on Saturday night but provided an assist for Nico O’Reilly and put in a monster shift in defence, winning more duels (12) than he ever has in a Premier League game.
The effort brought Haaland to the floor by full-time but he was soon mobbed by teammates and Guardiola highlighted the No.9 to the whole squad. While he has been critical of the forward’s workrate in other games this season, there was only praise on Saturday as City took their opportunity to increase the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table.
“I’m not a big fan to put Erling to defend, but he helped us, and I know after that how the people hug him and celebrate him and say they’re grateful to help us because Newcastle allowed us to do that,” said Guardiola. “I am only sad for him because there are a lot of actions that could make the last pass to him and didn’t find him and it’s difficult for him, run, run, run and fight.
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“They don’t give the balls to [him] to score goals, but sometimes the game is like that, and he’s an incredible, generous player, so today is a performance and I’ll never forget what Erling has done for us. Sometimes I’m a critic to him, but today I said without you it would not be possible. Erling has been outstanding today. Outstanding.”
Haaland was given the extra responsibility of being a captain this season, having signed a long-term extension to his deal at the Etihad. He is also one of the few players left in the group who have won multiple league titles with City, and other players look to him to set the example.
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“We need everyone there to defend, and we need everyone to attack,” said Nico O’Reilly. “And Erling can do that. He’s a very big part of this, too. Erling is world class – he can do it all and it’s so important for us to have someone like this in our team who can do it at one end and can also do it at the other end.”
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