Pep Guardiola issued a stark warning to critics of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, telling them he would “shut your mouth”. Haaland scored the only goal in City’s 1-0 win against Brentford on Tuesday, having squandered a number of chances during a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend. Guardiola also told reporters that Haaland had endured a “tough” week after the death of his grandmother.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a warning to critics of striker Erling Haaland.
Haaland scored the solitary goal in City’s 1-0 victory against Brentford in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old was under scrutiny after missing a number of chances in City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend, but he made amends with a goal in the 71st minute at the Etihad on Tuesday.
The result lifts City above Arsenal to second place in the Premier League.
They are now just one point behind Liverpool, who they play at Anfield on March 10.
Guardiola revealed in the post-match press conference that Haaland had endured a difficult week following the death of his grandmother, but he still managed to rise to the occasion.
“When I was young, I was told about top strikers, don’t criticize them because he will shut your mouth, that’s for sure,” Guardiola said. “Sooner or later always, they are there.
“He was out for two months [injured]. He had an incredibly tough week last week, he lost his grandmother and it’s not easy for a human being. But he scored when he’s not in his best shape at the moment.”
Guardiola also explained why midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was not brought on as a substitute, even when City were struggling to break Brentford down.
“Today we can’t use Kevin because he has a niggle in his hamstring and we didn’t want to take any risks,” he said. “He’s OK. It’s more prevention than anything.
“The doctor said it’s a little uncomfortable so after five months out so we don’t want to take any risks.”
City continue their Premier League title defense away at Bournemouth on Saturday, February 24.