Pep Guardiola has revealed why he took Manchester City phenom Erling Haaland off at half-time during his side’s defeat to Barcelona on penalties in their latest pre-season friendly.
Haaland was unlucky not to have put City into the lead in the first-half — after he got on the end of an excellent cross from Oscar Bobb that clearly crossed the line despite Inaki Pena’s best attempts.
However, due to a lack of goal line technology at the proceedings, the £375,000-a-week man’s strike was not deemed as a goal.
After the 24-year-old’s attempt to put the Sky Blues into the lead, he was largely quiet during the first-half.
But Pep Guardiola decided to substitute his star striker, bringing Maximo Perrone on to replace him.
Pep Guardiola says Man City striker Erling Haaland suffered “niggles” against Barcelona
Initially, it seemed like Guardiola had seemingly taken the decision to rest the Norwegian international.
The two-time Premier League had started in two of the previous friendlies for the Sky Blues against Celtic and AC Milan.
It seemed like the Catalan tactician felt it was the right time for the former Borussia Dortmund striker to take a breather; with the potential intention of allowing him to play a majority of the game against Chelsea.
But after Manchester City lost to Barcelona, Pep Guardiola revealed that Haaland had suffered a knock.
As quoted by journalist Sam Lee, the City boss said: “He had some niggles, he didn’t feel good and that’s why he didn’t play the second-half.”
Pep Guardiola made the right decision to substitute Erling Haaland
Pep Guardiola justifiably took Haaland off, as he did not wish to risk him aggravating his knock.
The Leeds-born goalscorer’s fitness is of utmost importance now that the 2024/2025 season is fast approaching.
Guardiola would be hoping that Haaland is at his disposal for most of next season after missing significant chunks of the previous campaign.
Recently, the former Bayern Munich manager revealed that all of his City players will return to the club after their game against Ipswich Town.
In the meantime, Haaland, who is one of the side’s best and most key players’ presence will be even more key than usual.