Guardiola wants Haaland to be more patient

Manager Pep Guardiola was unhappy with Erling Haaland's reaction in the first half of the Premier League win over Everton last weekend, and wants the Norwegian striker to maintain a positive attitude when he doesn't score.

In the first half of the match against Everton in the 24th round of the Premier League on February 9, Haaland was lackluster and only had one shot - a header over the bar from Jeremy Doku's cross. In the second half, when Kevin Bruyne and Kyle Walker came on, the Norwegian striker had more chances and scored twice, helping Man City extend their winning streak to 10 matches in all competitions.

"Those two goals helped Haaland a lot, they helped him clear his mind," Guardiola said on February 12 at a press conference ahead of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Copenhagen. "Haaland's body language in the first half was not good, and in the second half it was much better. Haaland's mood when he scored was very different. He played better and moved more."

Haaland scored the winning goal in Man City's 2-0 win over Everton on February 10. Photo: mancity.com — Haaland scored the winning goal in Man City's 2-0 win over Everton on February 10. Photo: *mancity.com*

The Spanish coach wants his players to be patient and continue to wait for their opportunities, instead of reacting harshly or showing their attitude on the field. "Haaland has to learn that if he doesn't score, he has to have the right body language. He has to be in a positive mood and tell himself that the opportunities and goals will come," Guardiola added.

Haaland's brace against Everton marked a perfect return for the Red Devils, who have missed 10 games in all competitions due to a foot injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on December 6. He also continued to lead the Premier League's top scorers list this season with 16 goals, two more than Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.

Guardiola is not concerned about class or form, but just wants Haaland to maintain positivity on the pitch. According to the 53-year-old coach, without scoring, Haaland still contributes a lot to Man City's collective play.

"It may seem like I'm complaining, but Haaland's body language is not the problem," Guardiola continued. "Haaland is young, playing in the most difficult position on the pitch, surrounded by four or five players in a small space. Haaland is young and has to stay positive. If Man City don't score, or Haaland doesn't score in 10 minutes, it's okay. Haaland has to continue and help the team through the difficult times."

Haaland and coach Pep Guardiola, during the match between Man City and Young Boys at Wankdorf Stadium, in Bern on 25/20/2023.

Haaland holds the record of scoring 40 goals in 35 Champions League games. "Haaland is very strong mentally because after one goal he wants to score a second, a third," Guardiola said. "You can see his scoring stats. In the Champions League, even Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo don't have those numbers at his age. It's unbelievable."

City have reached the Champions League semi-finals in each of the last three seasons, including the 2022-23 campaign, and Guardiola is confident of retaining the title. "This is the best legacy we have given to the club, that Man City can compete," he said. "We want to continue winning the Premier League and the Champions League. The team has good characters and character to overcome bad times."

Hong Duy

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