It's brutal — Haaland discusses his relationship with Guardiola
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Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland || Photo Credit: Imago

It's brutal — Haaland discusses his relationship with Guardiola

Faruq Ibrahim 23:30 - 09.09.2023

Manchester City ace Erling Haaland talks about winning the treble, his goal records, and his relationship with Pep Guardiola.

Ballon d'Or contender Erling spoke about his relationship with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and what it has meant for his career.  

The 22-year-old is currently in the best period of his short but accomplished career so far, off the back of a treble-winning season and getting nominated for the most coveted individual prize in the men's game.  

His record-breaking season set him up as one of the favourites for the Ballon d'Or, and in an interview with France Football, the magazine that organises the Ballon d'Or, Haaland discussed his relationship with the former Barcelona boss.  

What Haaland said 

The former Dortmund striker spoke about their treble-winning campaign and how it would be a difficult feat to recreate. He went on to discuss his records and how brutal his relationship with Pep can sometimes be.  

“It will be hard to better that“, Haaland said, per GFFN.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland | Imago
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland | Imago

“We achieved a historic treble. Everyone wants to beat us even more. I still have this desire that gives me the appetite to try to achieve the same performances as last year or even better performances.“

“Given the quality of the team, near the midway point of the season, I understood that it was possible. I can only thank my teammates for putting me in such good conditions.“

 “Pep demands a lot from you. You can’t get sloppy with a coach this demanding. That’s his way of managing. In any case, to develop and progress, it is better to have the whole truth in a very direct way. 

“We can say it, sometimes it’s brutal. But I like that. It shows that he is totally involved and passionate. It’s not always pleasant, but, at the same time, it brings you face to face with the truth and I know his purpose is to make you a better player.”

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