Pep Guardiola can be ‘brutal’ when making his point to players, according to Erling Haaland. Guardiola made headlines when he made a beeline to Haaland on the opening day of the Premier League season at Burnley as the players walked off for half time, despite Haaland scoring scoring twice in the opening period. The City manager had a point to make to Haaland, and told him off in typically animated fashion. Haaland has addressed the incident since, brushing off any issues he may have with such a public dressing down. Now, the striker has explained how Guardiola’s demands make him a better player, even if it may be hard to take at times.
Erling Haaland said: “Pep demands a lot from you. You can’t get sloppy with a coach this demanding. That’s his way of managing. In any case, to develop and progress, it is better to have the whole truth in a very direct way. We can say it, sometimes it’s brutal. But I like that. It shows that he is totally involved and passionate. On the first day at Burnley, he could be seen. But I appreciate it because he shows that he is totally committed and passionate. It’s not always pleasant but, at the same time, it brings you face to face with the truth and I know his purpose is to make you a better player. We have a very good relationship. Of course, he is very demanding in his work, he is very direct and honest in what he says, but that is the way he manages. That’s what happens at work. There’s a lot of fun outside. There are many smiles, and the proof is in how the group has lived for several years.”
