Pep Guardiola insists Erling Haaland has no objection to his decision to replace him with Julian Alvarez in the second half of Manchester City's 4-1 win over Southampton.
Two of the visitors' goals at St Mary's were scored by the Norwegian striker, who equaled the single-season Premier League record jointly held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, scoring a reverse bike kick for his 30th goal.
Haaland has scored six penalties in all competitions for City this season, but it was Alvarez who got on the scoresheet of the 22-year-old and Jack Grealish in the second half six minutes after he was substituted in the second half. minute 69.
“He would never complain about it,” Guardiola said of his striker. "He has a lot of respect for me. We have to take care of him. I know him a little, must have a lot of attention.
"Of course in an important game when we have to score or win the game or whatever, you want to play it, there's no doubt about that, but given the number of games since now, one three days, three days, two days, and you have another weapon.
"Julian is always ready, ready, ready and in that way it's a big boost for us."
Haaland is different from Messi, Ronaldo
Guardiola's side are still competing for three titles, although Premier League leaders Arsenal are in control of their own destiny with nine games remaining in the campaign.
City then host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, then face Leicester in the Premier League before a European tie, followed by an FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United. Guardiola is ready to compare his striker to two of football's most legendary figures - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - but says Haaland's majestic 6 ft 4in frame poses the injury threat that men he couldn't feel it.
Guardiola added:
"The Messi that I met and then at Barcelona has never been injured, Cristiano has never been injured. Erling's body is huge and needs a lot of care.
"But I think since I met him, when he came in this season, he had an incredible mindset. His head was in the right place. He has to be professional as a competitive player and not react when he misses goals or misses matches in practice.
"He was frustrated, but he was frustrated for five minutes and then his mind was back in the right place, enough to do the job he needed to do."
blogpay
Total Comments: 0