Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is happy, but Erling Braut Haaland (23 years old) rarely receives harsh criticism. What don't experts and journalists see?
We are reporting from Manchester, England
The short version
- Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola, expressed his happiness with Erling Braut Haaland, despite criticism from experts and journalists.
- Haaland remains the Premier League's top scorer, but has scored only one goal in his last 7 matches for clubs and the national team.
- Guardiola believes that Haaland's contribution to creating space for his teammates may be as important as scoring goals
– Is the team satisfied with Haaland’s strengths at the present time? VG asks.
– All the success last year was because of the team. When we play better, Erling improves, and that helps us improve again. It's not about one player, you can't judge from that, Guardiola responds.
– Do you mean Satisfied How does he leave his mark on matches during the day? VG asks again.
– very. very. He helps us create space in different areas and his contributions have been exceptional since his arrival this season.
Not everyone agrees with the city manager.
The Norwegian received harsh criticism after the crazy match against Real Madrid 3-3 on Tuesday.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane repeated some of his criticism this week: The Norwegian has a fundamental game that can be compared to a player of his level. four In English football.
Maybe he wasn't 100 percent after the long-term injury?
– What do the experts and us journalists not see, as criticism is still strong?
VG's final question sends Guardiola into a little tirade.
– I've said that before. They can do whatever they want. Our mission is to continue doing what we do every day. It isn't a problem. They have to understand that they have an opinion, and I have an opinion. It doesn't matter if they are right or wrong, they have an opinion, he says and takes a breath:
– It seems that I want to criticize the experts. I don't criticize them. They do their job, we do ours. But we must not agree. My job is not to criticize, it is their job. This doesn't mean anything. I give my opinion. They may agree or disagree. Simply.
Criticism of Erling Braut Haaland
The most surprising criticism directed at the Norwegian came after the 0-0 draw against Arsenal on March 30. Then Manchester United legend Roy Keane said that Haaland had a key game reminiscent of a fourth-tier player in England.
Pep Guardiola responded to Kane's criticism. This did not prevent the former midfielder from repeating and intensifying the criticism after the match against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The exchanges between the players were also critical of Haaland, especially in big matches. Criticism has been particularly strong in the past two weeks.
Haaland's contribution as a deciding point also received criticism during the match against Real Madrid.
– So it's about Haaland tying up the stoppers so others get more space? asks the Daily Mail.
– Yes Yes Yes. That's the point. We have scored three goals, four goals, four goals (in recent matches). We helped record some of them and created a lot of space for others to record.
Between the two very exciting matches between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League, the league match that Luton is waiting for on Saturday at 16:00.
If we are to believe Guardiola, the Norwegian will come to the match in a good mood.
– I saw his face and what he said in the dressing room (after the match against Real Madrid on Tuesday). He was very happy,” says the Spaniard.
One thing is certain: there are many opinions about Haaland:
There are two ways to look at Haaland's contribution at the moment:
Firstly, he remains the Premier League's top scorer with 19 goals, just one behind Harry Kane in the Champions League top scorer race. This was despite his absence for nearly two months due to injury.
But secondly, he has one goal in his last seven appearances for club and national team. In big matches, he has struggled to leave his mark on matches this season, something Guardiola has previously been asked about.
-Everyone has something they need to improve. It's more about the team. He had two defenders, the striker being the more difficult position. It was two against one, Guardiola says of the match against Real Madrid.
-What can he do to improve his basic game? asks Sky Sports.
– Play more minutes, learn what to do… The goal is not to win The golden ballBut the prizes. He did it. Without him it wouldn't have been possible (last season). Guardiola says: He is a key player for us.
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