Erling Haaland
Pep Guardiola’s half-time dressing down of Erling Haaland was prompted by the Manchester City striker’s reaction to not being played in by Bernardo Silva. City were far from their best on the opening night at Turf Moor but a brace from Erling Haaland plus Rodri’s close-range effort sealed a 3-0 win and all three points. Burnley used the atmosphere form their first home game back in the top flight to their advantage but lacked the quality to make it count. Haaland netted the opener inside four minutes when the ball fell to his feet inside six yards. And despite Burnley pressure, he doubled City’s lead with a deadly curling finish past James Trafford before Rodri made it three in the second half. However, Guardiola was far from happy with his striker and was captured by a TV camera in the middle of an explosive rant on the pitch.
Pep Guardiola said: “You weren’t moving with three minutes left. With one minute left we had to make long balls, completely opposite, it’s the right tempo right now.”
Haaland clearly took the advice on board and explained the reason for his manager’s response after the full-time whistle.
Erling Haaland said: “I try to focus everyday, and I say it all the time that it’s a pleasure to work with Pep. I have to keep on developing because I’m still young, don’t forget! I don’t think there’s anyone better to learn from. That incident was from the last action [in the first half], because I got a bit mad at Bernardo [Silva] for not playing me in so he got a bit angry with me! But no, it’s a good start for the first game.”
City were far from their best on the evening but managed to kill Burnley’s momentum, especially in the second half. Guardiola’s side showed class and experience in Lancashire, but Haaland insists it is only the start of another long season.
Erling Haaland added: “A good start with a win. I think we did quite well for the first game of the season. We’re still in the starting phase of this marathon but we’re just focusing on ourselves. I just have to keep on working, keep on relaxing and try not to focus too much on negative things.”
