Pep Guardiola hints that the arrival of Erling Haaland in the summer of 2022, may have been a huge reason why Delap’s first-team chances were limited. Despite this, Pep Guardiola acknowledges Delap’s successful loaneeship with Hull City during the 2023-24 season, where he scored eight goals in 31 league games. This stint is thought to have significantly aided his eventual move to Ipswich.
Pep Guardiola said “He has to improve when he drops, his first touch. The only problem we had this season from the beginning is he has been injured. He struggled a lot with his ankles and was not fit. He has a special quality. He is a different type of striker. The goal is offside, but he is there. I am happy for him. He is 18-years-old. One of the precious values you have to be in that age is to be patient. If you fight in every training session, it will pay off in your career and you will get what you deserve.”
This gives an insight into how Delap was viewed and his potential for the future.
