Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expects Erling Haaland to play a more prominent role in the return against Real Madrid than in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals in Madrid.
Guardiola congratulates and warns Rüdiger about meeting Haaland again
Haaland fought fierce duels with Antonio Rüdiger at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday and did not score against Real Madrid. “I want to congratulate Rüdiger on that,” Guardiola said laughing at a press conference ahead of the Premier League match against Everton.
“We just have to remember that Erling is still only 22 years old. He plays for the first time in the semi-finals of the Champions League, was in the Bernabéu for the first time, on the highest podium. And then you’re also up against a top team, with world-class players in every line,” said the City manager.
“I expect the return to be a bit easier for Erling. Especially if the team around him starts to function even better. That’s what we strive for. I watched the game against Real on Thursday and I saw that Erling worked very hard. I’m sure he’s ready for the games against Everton and Real,” said Guardiola.
Manchester City booked a draw at Real Madrid through a goal from Kevin De Bruyne. City fell behind in Madrid through a goal from Vinícius Júnior. In the Premier League, The Citizens lead by one point over Arsenal. The Gunners have played one game more.
Guardiola lashes out at Yerry Mina
Manchester City had little to fear from Everton on Sunday ( 0-3 ). Yet Pep Guardiola appeared irritated on camera. The Spanish manager was not pleased with Yerry Mina’s game. “The things he does are unnecessary.”
With two goals and an assist, Ilkay Gundogan took City by the hand. The leader left Goodison Park unscathed. Still, Guardiola was quite annoyed. That had to do with the game of Mina, who used hands and feet to make City players harmless. “It was not necessary what he is doing,” Guardiola told the BBC. “Apart from football, it’s not necessary what he does every game.”
Mina was involved in an incident with Aymeric Laporte in the first half. The City defender punched the Colombia international in the stomach after an altercation, after which Mina went to the ground. After the final whistle, Guardiola sought out Everton’s stopper to confront him about his actions. All City players refused to shake Mina’s hand afterwards.
Guardiola would not say exactly what Mina had done wrong: “He knows, ask him. He knows exactly what he’s doing. This is not physical, this is not mental. The things he does are unnecessary. This time it was with Aymeric, with Jack (Grealish). Ask him. Invite him to the press conference.”
Still, Guardiola will end the day with a good feeling. Due to City’s victory and Arsenal’s solid defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, his team can hardly miss the title extension.
