Pep Guardiola explained why he scolded Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as they walked off the pitch during half-time of their win over Burnley.
The Norwegian striker scored a brace to put the Premier League champions two up heading into the break. But he berated teammate Bernardo Silva for not passing to him as the referee blew the half-time whistle.
A very animated Guardiola proceeded to engage in a row with Haaland, telling his star player that Silva was in the right. But the Catalan says there is “not a problem” between the two men.
“We had to play more direct with Haaland and we showed that in the second half. He wants all the time, ball to him, ball to him,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“He was saying, ‘give it to me in behind, man to man and I’m going to do it’. But when you have two or three minutes left of the half… Kovacic and Rodri lost the ball.
“Bernardo was then correct to not give him another ball. But it’s not a problem. He scored two goals and he’s really happy.”
Haaland explained the incident from his point of view in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. “It was because of the last action when Bernardo didn’t play me in – he [Pep] was a bit mad at me,” he said.
“Everyone sees I’m developing my game. I try my best every day – it’s a pleasure to work with Pep, I don’t know if there is anyone better for a young player as I’m still young, don’t forget. I just have the enjoy the chaos around me and perform on the pitch.”
It was Haaland who got Man City‘s title defence off to a perfect start by scoring just three minutes after kickoff.
Burnley did manage to put the visitors on the back foot on a few occasions, pressing up high to win the ball in City’s half. But the Norwegian doubled the lead in the 36th minute following a quick corner routine.
Rodri hammered home the side’s third of the night to put the result beyond doubt and hand City their first three points of the campaign.
However, the game was marred by a first-half incident which saw an object hit Rico Lewis. The fan suspected of throwing the object was ejected from the stadium.
