Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has called on star player Erling Haaland to focus more on feeling relaxed than scoring goals. This comes after Haaland recently returned from a two-month injury break and quickly got back into the groove by scoring his first two goals in Saturday's 2-0 win against Everton in the Premier League.
Guardiola emphasized that while scoring is important, it isn't everything. He pointed out that other aspects such as team spirit and encouragement are equally crucial.
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, said:
"He is defined by goals, but it is not just scoring a goal. As much it's how he is clapping, encouraging his mates and the first intense press. But we cannot forget he has been two months out. Back to the dynamic is not easy."
"He's a huge competitor who wants to score goals. OK, we know that, so relax. If we don't score today, or if he doesn't score in 10 minutes, it's OK. In the process, he has to try because the team always wins when they overcome bad moments."
Guardiola cited Saturday’s Premier League win against Everton as a good example of patience paying off for Haaland who had a quiet first half before securing victory with two second-half goals.
As Manchester City resume their attempt to retain the Champions League at FC Copenhagen in their last-16 tie this Tuesday, all eyes will be on Erling Haaland who was last season’s top scorer with 12 goals leading City to their maiden trophy win.
Despite FC Copenhagen having been inactive for two months due to their winter break, Guardiola expects them to be fresh and ready to compete.
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, said:
"I would say they are starving to compete and hungry and have full energy, fresh in legs and mind."
Guardiola expressed respect for FC Copenhagen who finished ahead of Galatasaray and Manchester United in Group A to reach the knockout stage.
While Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, Pep Guardiola believes that a more relaxed approach will benefit both him as an individual player, as well as Manchester City as a team.
