Pep Guardiola was understandably in a jovial mood ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Ipswich Town this Sunday.
The City manager was clearly enthused after his talisman Erling Haaland’s nine-and-a-half year contract renewal was announced.
Haaland has netted 111 times in just 126 appearances under Guardiola and his new deal has made him the club’s highest paid player. It is understood to contain no release clause.
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— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 17, 2025
The Spaniard candidly admitted that he thinks Haaland has made him a ‘better manager’.
“He’s helping the staff and he’s helping me, that’s for sure,” Guardiola confessed at his pre-match press conference.
The length of Haaland’s contract is unprecedented in Premier League history but the City manager understands his reasoning.
“I think the weather is better here than Norway,” Guardiola joked.
“He has settled perfectly, I think what has happened is that he loves the club.
“He loves the people he is around; he loves the Premier League, he loves to be here with his wife and now he is a father.
“I think he visualised that there is no better place that he could be right now or in the next ten years.
“That’s why him and his family decided to make this step.”
However, the Norwegian may not be able to mark his new contract with a goal as his availability is in question ahead of their trip to Suffolk.
The 24-year-old looked in some discomfort in the latter stages of the game against Brentford as he was spotted on his haunches.
The reigning champions were 2-0 up in the capital courtesy of a Phil Foden brace. But Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard netted in the last ten minutes to see the Bees salvage a draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“They had recovery, then yesterday was a day off. We are now going to train and we will see,” the City boss announced.
“Some players finished with some problems like every game so we will see.”
