Pep Guardiola has backed Erling Haaland to come good against Real Madrid after being shut out in the first leg. Manchester City’s No.9 dominated the build-up to the Champions League semi-final, with various Spanish media describing him as an ogre, a machine, a monster, and a hurricane as they wondered how the Norwegian could be stopped. However, after a quiet 90 minutes for him at the Bernabeu praise was lavished on Real defender Antonio Rudiger, with Carlo Ancelotti facing a dilemma over who to play next week with Eder Militao available. Guardiola liked what he saw from Haaland despite the lack of chances he had to add to his 51 goals this season. And the City boss believes that the youngster will be better for the second leg – especially if he can get more service from his teammates.
Pep Guardiola said: “With Erling, we cannot forget he is 22 years old. It is the first time he plays in the semi-final of a Champions League, it is the first time he goes to the Bernabeu. These are the biggest stages and it was difficult. They are top-class players, with good defenders, midfielders, strikers. Next time will be a little bit easier. If the team is able to play a bit better in some departments, maybe next Wednesday will be easier for him. I saw the game yesterday and he fought a lot, he was incredibly committed to what we have to do. I’m pretty sure he’s ready for Sunday and the next game.”
