Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called on Erling Haaland to “relax” and stay positive after being concerned by the prolific striker’s on-field demeanor before he scored the first goals of his comeback from injury.
Guardiola was critical of his player’s body language during City’s 2-0 win over Everton in the English Premier League on Saturday, which saw Haaland score twice in the second half after a frustrating first 45 minutes for the Norwegian.
“In that moment, he has to be positive,” Guardiola said on Monday. “When he scored a goal, he reacted, but he doesn’t need to score because he helps us for many things.”
Photo: R euters
“He is defined by goals, but it is not just scoring a goal. As much it’s how he is clapping, encouraging his mates and the first intense press. This is what we need from Erling,” Guardiola said.
Not that 23-year-old Haaland ever goes too long without scoring. He was the top scorer in his first year in the Premier League with 36 goals last season, and has 40 goals in 35 games in the UEFA Champions League.
Haaland has just returned from nearly two months out with a foot injury, and scored in his third game back.
“If he doesn’t score tomorrow, the day after or next week, it’s not a big issue,” Guardiola said. “He’s so strong. It comes from nature. He’s coped perfectly because he’s so strong mentally. He scores one goal and wants a second and a third.”
“You see his numbers at his age. In the Champions League not even [Lionel] Messi or Cristiano
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