The Manchester City manager did not seem happy with Haaland at half-time, storming onto the pitch and ranting at the striker
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has revealed the reason he berated Erling Haaland at halftime during his side’s opening day 3-0 win over Burnley in a Premier League match at the Turf Moor Stadium on Friday.
Haaland scored two goals before the break, before midfield general Rodri added a third, to give the reigning champions a perfect start to the new season.
It took just four minutes for the Norwegian international to give City the lead against Burnley, before promptly scoring a second just over half an hour later. However, Guardiola did not seem happy with Haaland at half-time, storming onto the pitch and ranting at him.
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Moments before the break, Haaland had himself fumed at Bernardo Silva when he wanted a quick ball played down the channel in his quest for more goals, only for the Portuguese to turn back and keep possession.
It was that which seemingly drew the ire of the City boss, who steamed into the giant Norwegian, gesticulating and appearing to tell him that with one minute, what Haaland had wanted "was totally the opposite".
"He wants all the time ball to him, ball to him. He wants the ball in behind. Erling wanted that ball and Bernardo was right not to give it to him. He scored two goals, I think he's happy," Guaridiola explained at the end of the match.
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The Spanish tactician could be seen pushing the camera away upon realising was he was saying was being captured by the microphone as they walked towards the tunnel, before proceeding to further berate the goalscoring machine.
Haaland, however, seemed calm, appearing to take in the criticism the coach was giving him in front of the watching world.
Quizzed about the reasons behind taking a calm demeanor despite the berating, Haaland insisted it was a learning process given he is still young.
"I try to focus everyday, and I say it all the time that it’s a pleasure to work with Pep. I have to keep on developing because I'm still young," the striker said.
"I don’t think there’s anyone better to learn from. That incident was from the last action, because I got a bit mad at Bernardo [Silva] for not playing me in so he got a bit angry with me! But no, it’s a good start for the first game."
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