EManager Haaland and manager Josep Guardiola analyze Wednesday’s Champions League round four clash with Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium. The Catalan coach mentioned several issues, including the team’s performance last season, the tight schedule and match preparation. The Citizens will play after two days of rest, but will not practice on Tuesday as manager Guardiola has given the team a day off.
The team is not training today. “We’re going to train tomorrow morning. I’ve done it a few times, not a lot, but I’ve done a few. Sometimes I like it better that way. The game against Bournemouth was very tough, so I’m hoping to train tomorrow morning.”
Preguntan of Haaland, Messi and Cristiano: “Nadi puede acercalse a eros”
Last season’s performance: “Last season we had a lot of injuries and the team played 50% every month. That was the reason. We are ready. Last season we didn’t have enough players and it was very difficult.”
A few days’ rest: “In Germany and France, all the players in the Champions League try to play on Fridays to get more rest days, but here it’s the opposite. If I didn’t like that, I wouldn’t coach in England. I can say that I cope well with the intensity. Playing one game a week is completely different from playing more than three games. When you play three games a week, the only solution is how you adapt and face the situation.”
“It’s hard to find world-class players who are incredibly humble and think about what’s best for the team. He has that ability, talent and kindness. He has a 10-year contract and is involved in a lot of things.”
Speaking of former Manchester City player Yan Couto: “I’m glad he’s there. He came in very young and had an incredible impact in Girona’s best ever season. And Dortmund are always looking for young talent, investing in them and selling them if they make an impact. I’m glad he’s doing so well.”
Haaland: “You shouldn’t think you’re special just because you scored a goal”
Erling Haaland, who will play against his former club Borussia Dortmund, spoke after Guardiola’s appearance. Santpedor said this week that the Norwegian striker is “at the level of Messi or Cristiano” because of his influence on the game.
Comparison with Messi and Cristiano: “Absolutely not, not at all. No because no one can come close to those two. I’m Norwegian and I shouldn’t think I’m special just because I scored a goal. It’s very simple. I’m just Erling and that will never change.”
Comparison of Rayan Cherki and De Bruyne: “As everyone can see, he is a nice guy with incredible qualities. I have to help him be free-minded as a number 10 so that he can pass the ball to me and the attacking players. He has a special ability that is difficult to explain, he is similar to Kevin De Bruyne, who can pass the ball to anyone from anywhere on the pitch. He is a special talent and we have to help him develop further, because he can really do it.” ”
