Pep Guardiola gave a typically spiky answer when asked about Erling Haaland’s form, as the Manchester City manager joked he has not spoken to any of his players in “the last three years”.
Speaking ahead of City’s next game, Guardiola was quizzed on Haaland and whether the striker needs any extra support as he looks to get back among the goals. The City boss listened to the question and responded with a smile, insisting he does not spend time having conversations with his squad.
“I haven’t spoken with him,” Guardiola said. “In the last three years I didn’t speak with them.”
Guardiola’s comments were clearly delivered in a tongue-in-cheek way, but they underlined his point that City’s standards are set within the group and that players are expected to handle spells of lower output.
The question came with Haaland still one of the key figures in Guardiola’s side, even as attention has turned to his recent return in front of goal. City’s manager, however, made it clear he was not about to turn the situation into a personal issue or a public discussion about individual confidence.
Guardiola also used the moment to play down the idea that he needs to constantly reassure players during a demanding season. His message was that the work is done on the training pitch and in City’s overall approach, rather than through regular one-to-one talks that get reported and analysed.
While Haaland’s numbers remain a major talking point, Guardiola’s brief exchange ensured the focus stayed on City as a team, rather than on any single player’s form.
