Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City player Erling Haaland felt ‘uncomfortable’ before being pulled from the friendly tie with Barcelona. The attacker was substituted at halftime after struggling to make an impression in the first half in Orlando.
Haaland had a free summer after Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024. However, Guardiola said that the 24-year-old has been experiencing muscle soreness during pre-season, and City did not want to risk his fitness.
The City manager, who has navigated pre-season with a patched-up squad primarily made up of young players and a few veteran stars, wants Haaland to amp up his training despite leaving him out against the Spanish side.
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“Erling is uncomfortable. We do not want to take chances. But sooner or later, he’ll have to take a step forward in terms of training and minutes,” Guardiola added on Express News.
“The season is there, around the corner. He has niggles, muscular, we don’t want to take a risk and lose him for three weeks or a month. That would be a problem.
“He didn’t feel good and that’s why he didn’t play the second half. Sixty to 70 per-cent of the squad are on holiday. That’s why we need the players.
“At the same time, we have alternatives, Oscar [Bobb] makes an incredible job again. We’re pleased with many things.
Guardiola will be hoping that a completely healthy Haaland can start the 2024-25 Premier League season. The former Borussia Dortmund star was sidelined for over two months last season due to a foot injury, then missed two more games later in the year due to a muscular issue.
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish has overcome his sadness at missing out on the England squad by having a successful pre-season. He scored in the 2-2 tie against Barcelona on Tuesday.
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