Erling Haaland on his relationship with Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola: “Sometimes, it’s brutal.”

Manchester City free-scoring centre-forward Erling Haaland (23) has given a wide-ranging interview to France Football. The 2023 Ballon d’Or nominee has opened up on his relationship with Cityzens head coach Pep Guardiola, describing it as “brutal” sometimes.

The Norway international registered a whopping 56 goals in all competitions with City last season, playing a vital part in the Skyblues’ treble-winning campaign. “It will be hard to better that“, Haaland says. “We achieved a historic treble. Everyone wants to beat us even more. I still have this desire that gives me the appetite to try to achieve the same performances as last year or even better performances.“

The former Borussia Dortmund man said he didn’t expect to beat Mohamed Salah’s record of 32 goals in a Premier League season. “Given the quality of the team, near the half of the season, I understood that it was possible”, Haaland recalled. “I can only thank my partners for putting me in such good conditions.“

Haaland adds that his ability to give his all on the pitch comes from his love for the game, a trait he shares with Guardiola. “Pep demands a lot from you“, the 22-year-old says. “You can’t get sloppy with a coach this demanding.” Haaland has lauded the Spaniard’s directness and honesty. “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. 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.”

GFFN | Bastien Cheval