Erling Haaland is suited to football in Congo: Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola thinks that Erling Haaland would excel at playing football in any part of the world, even in Congo.
Despite being Manchester City’s top scorer this season, Erling Haaland has encountered some difficulty in finding the back of the net since club football resumed after the World Cup.
Haaland has scored an impressive 33 goals across all competitions, which is 20 goals more than any other Manchester City player. Phil Foden is second on the team with 13 goals to his credit.
Prior to Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Erling Haaland has faced some difficulties lately, but also expressed confidence in the 22-year-old’s ability to thrive in any country in the world, including Spain and Italy.
When asked if he thinks Haaland’s style of play is suited for the Premier League, Guardiola replied that the striker would do well not only in England, but also in Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway, Congo, and even in other continents like Africa and South America, as players of his caliber can adapt to any environment.
Pep Guardiola responded, “(Yes) And I would say in Germany, in Spain, in Italy, in Norway, in Congo, everywhere. These types of players adapt everywhere; in Africa, South America, no problem.”
Given the challenging moments that Manchester City has experienced this season while adapting to the inclusion of a traditional center-forward, Guardiola was also asked if he thinks the addition of Erling Haaland is beneficial or detrimental to his team’s evolution in terms of playing style.
“It’s not good or bad, it is what it is. We love him, I love to have him,” said Pep Guardiola. “That is the reality, but at the end, what he has is in some moments we – like in the past – had Gabriel (Jesus) there, we had Sergio (Aguero), but we didn’t have the attention, looking for him a lot.”
“Now we have to try to do it. For the fact that knowing he’s there as a good target for us, and the first vision has to be like to him. Before it was more right, left, left, right, until the last moment. But sometimes when you are looking for (him) a lot too quick, you are less precise, you lose the ball, you allow the transitions for the opposition team.”
Guardiola continued, “This balance, that is what sometimes you have to find in the right way because when he starts to run, with this power, the tendency is oh we have to give the ball because he’s going to score a goal.”
Guardiola emphasized the risks associated with not being able to connect with Erling Haaland as intended, citing examples from Manchester City’s recent 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.
“But if he doesn’t get it (the ball) – it happened against Newcastle a few times – it’s a transition for Joelinton, all the players Newcastle have. But at the same time, you have it.”
“At the same time, it’s not just about passing to him, you have to look at him; like we have done really well against Bournemouth for example. So with this balance, it’s a question a little bit of time. But the results, and what he gives us, is a lot.”
Manchester City will face Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace this weekend in a rematch of their earlier fixture, which saw Erling Haaland score a hat-trick. Since then, Haaland has gone on to score two more hat-tricks against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
City will be aiming for nothing less than a win to continue their pursuit of Arsenal, who are currently five points ahead of them at the top of the league table. Maintaining pressure on the Gunners is crucial for the reigning champions as they aim to defend their title.
Erling Haaland is suited to football in Congo: Pep Guardiola
