Erling Haaland was already one of the best No. 9 in the world before arriving at Manchester City to play under Pep Guardiola. However, working under the legendary manager has turned the Norwegian into an all-round world-class striker dominating the Premier League as tricky as many like to portray the competition.
Erling Haaland scored 36 goals in his first season in England, outshining everyone, with his closest competitor, Harry Kane, scoring 30. The former Borussia Dortmund man is only 23 and has won some of the most prestigious trophies and personal awards in the game that older players can only dream of.
Erling Haaland opens up on Pep Guardiola yelling at him on the field
While Pep Guardiola is known for developing average players into world-class stars, the City boss is not the easiest person to work with, especially players who can’t follow his instructions to the last detail. The manager has clashed with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto’o at Barcelona and Yaya Toure and Joe Hart at City.
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Despite scoring more than 50 goals in all competitions for City last season, Pep Guardiola did not hold back on his criticism of Haaland as the team walked off the pitch at half-time in the club’s Premier League opener against Burnley. It was a surprising move from the Spaniard, as Haaland had already scored a brace in the first half. According to Tribuna, the Spaniard shouted, “What are you doing?”
Guardiola explained why he shouted at his star man after the match. “Haaland always wants the ball to him, every time, but that is not possible with man to man,” the City boss told Sky Sports. “Not an incident, just understanding the connection and learning what we have to do. No problem at all, he scored two goals, and he’s happy,” he concluded.
Erling Haaland's answer when asked who's scarier: Pep Guardiola or his father Alfie 😂 pic.twitter.com/JbQ5GJyHNS
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 31, 2023
Erling Haaland has now opened up on the incident a few weeks after it happened. “I like when Pep shouts at me because he tries to get something in my brain that he doesn’t think I have,” the Norweigan said after winning the UEFA Player of the Year award.
Erling Haaland wins UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award
Erling Haaland was rewarded for his contribution to City’s success in the Champions League and Premier League last season with the prestigious award in yesterday’s UEFA ceremony and group stage draw ahead of the new Champions League campaign. Haaland helped City lift the treble in May, topping the goalscoring chart in the UEFA Champions League.
The former RB Salzburg striker scored 12 goals in the continental competition last season, with his goals helping City get through some difficult opponents in the competition. He won the award ahead of Lionel Messi, who now plays in the MLS for Inter Miami, and club teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who provided 13 of Haaland’s goals last season.
Well done, @ErlingHaaland! 👏
He's been named UEFA Men's Player of the Year 🌟#ManCity | #UEFAawards pic.twitter.com/r9SL5vob9z
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 31, 2023
Can Haaland help City defend their Champions League title this season? That sure remains to be seen. Given his stellar form and dazzling prowess on the pitch, the footballing world won’t be too surprised if he pulls this one off!
