Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke to the press ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.City come into the encounter in confident mood after another strong run of performances in Europe, Softfootball reports.
Haaland, who will face his former club Dortmund, has been in scintillating form netting 26 goals already this season for club and country.His remarkable consistency has drawn comparisons to football greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Guardiola once again praising not just his scoring touch but also his attitude and humility.
With excerpts of his comments shared via the club’s official X handle,the City boss discussed Erling Haaland’s mentality, the team’s busy schedule, and how the squad is adapting to the demands of the season, He said;
It’s difficult to find a real world-class player who is incredibly humble and thinks what is best for the team. I know he wants to score goals, but I have the feeling he always wants what is best for the team… He has this ability, talent, kindness… Of course, he has to score goals, that’s the best way to help us, that is perfectly clear. But, he signed a contract for 10 years, and he is involved in many things.
Guardiola also addressed how City are managing the heavy fixture list as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
We handle the intensity, I would say. When you play one game a week, it’s completely different to more than three games a week. The most important thing is how you handle it. Not just the minutes on the pitch, but in the meeting rooms and the physicality. At the same time, we have to train a bit to understand what we have to do. Otherwise, it’s not possible. When you play three games a week, the only solution is how you adapt and go through the situation.
Still on the press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game, Manchester city via its youtube channel posted the full video of Pep Guardiola and Erling Halaand speaking to the press. Watch full press conference video below:
As City prepare for another European showdown, Guardiola’s words underline both his admiration for Haaland’s selfless drive and the collective mentality that continues to define his team.
City head into the clash in fine European form, having beaten Villarreal 2-0 in their last Champions League outing a game where Haaland found the back of the net once again.
The Premier League Giants will be aiming to maintain their momentum and take another step toward securing qualification from the League phase.
