Guardiola wants Haaland to be more patient.

Manager Pep Guardiola was unhappy with Erling Haaland's reaction in the first half of the win against Everton in the Premier League last weekend, and wants the Norwegian striker to maintain a positive attitude even when he doesn't score.

In the first half of the match against Everton in the 24th round of the Premier League on February 9th, Haaland was lackluster and only had one shot - a header over the bar from a cross by Jeremy Doku. In the second half, when Kevin Bruyne and Kyle Walker came on, the Norwegian striker had more opportunities and scored a brace, helping Man City extend their winning streak to 10 matches in all competitions.

"Those two goals helped Haaland a lot, they helped clear his head," Guardiola said on February 12th at the press conference before the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Copenhagen. "Haaland's body language wasn't good in the first half, and it was much better in the second. Haaland's mood is very different when he scores. He plays better and moves more then."

Haaland scored the goal that sealed Man City's 2-0 victory over Everton on February 10th. Photo: mancity.com — Haaland scored the goal that sealed Man City's 2-0 victory over Everton on February 10th. Photo: *mancity.com*

The Spanish coach wants his players to be patient, to continue waiting for opportunities, instead of reacting aggressively or showing a negative attitude on the pitch. "Haaland has to learn that even if he doesn't score, he has to have the right body language. He has to maintain a positive attitude and tell himself that opportunities and goals will come," Guardiola added.

Haaland's brace against Everton marked a perfect return after missing 10 games across all competitions due to a foot injury sustained in the 0-1 defeat at Aston Villa on December 6th. This also allowed him to continue leading the Premier League top scorer list this season with 16 goals, two more than Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.

Guardiola isn't worried about Haaland's class or form, but simply wants him to maintain his positive attitude on the pitch. According to the 53-year-old coach, even without scoring goals, Haaland still contributes greatly to Manchester City's collective play.

"It might sound like I'm complaining, but Haaland's body language isn't the problem," Guardiola continued. "Haaland is young, playing in the most difficult position on the pitch, surrounded by four or five players in tight space. Haaland is young and has to maintain his positive attitude. If Man City don't score, or if Haaland doesn't score in 10 minutes, it's okay. Haaland has to keep going and help the team get through this difficult time."

Haaland and manager Pep Guardiola during the Manchester City vs. Young Boys match at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern on October 25, 2023.

Haaland holds the record for scoring 40 goals in 35 Champions League matches. "Haaland is incredibly strong mentally; after one goal, he wants a second, a third," Guardiola said. "You can see Haaland's goalscoring statistics. In the Champions League, even Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo don't have those numbers at Haaland's age. It's unbelievable."

Man City have reached the Champions League semi-finals in the last three seasons, including winning the 2022-2023 title, and Guardiola is confident they can defend the trophy. "This is the best legacy we have given the club, that Man City can compete," he affirmed. "We want to continue winning the Premier League and the Champions League. The team has good personalities and character to overcome bad times."

Hong Duy

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