Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has downplayed his tense post-match conversation with Erling Haaland after Saturday’s 3-2 win over Leeds United, insisting it was nothing more than a discussion about rest.
City secured a crucial Premier League victory after a difficult week, recovering from recent defeats to Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen.
Haaland frustrated as landmark goal eludes him
Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol put City 2-0 up before Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha hauled Leeds level.
Foden eventually sealed the win in stoppage time, but it was a subdued afternoon for Haaland, who missed the chance to hit his 100th Premier League goal.
The striker, visibly frustrated, exchanged heated words with Guardiola after full-time before the manager pulled him in for two conciliatory hugs.
Guardiola: “We talked about rest”
Addressing the moment, Guardiola said the conversation was simply about managing Haaland’s workload.
“He’ll get the 100th goal next game,” he told BBC Sport. “We talked about rest. He has a huge body. Rest isn’t just legs, it’s the head. We need him fresh.”
Haaland later wrote on Instagram: “Not easy today but we never give up!”
Manager relieved after late Foden winner
Guardiola admitted the match should have been decided earlier.
“In the first half the game should be over with the chances we had,” he said. “Their system change caused problems, we conceded twice, but we reacted well.”
What’s next for Manchester City
City face Fulham away on Tuesday, host Sunderland next Saturday, and then travel to the Bernabéu for a high-profile Champions League tie against Real Madrid on 10 December.