‘World class and incredibly humble’ – Guardiola on Haaland | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Erling Haaland ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

The City boss named Haaland as one of his captains for this season during the summer, and explained at his Tuesday press conference why the Norwegian is so important to the team not only on the pitch, but off it as well.

“It’s difficult to find a real world class player who is incredibly humble and thinking what is best for the team,” said Guardiola.

“I know he wants to score goals, but I have the feeling he always wants what is best for the team. And that is difficult to find.

“He has this ability, talent, kindness, whatever you want to say. Of course he has to score goals, that’s the best way to help us,  that is perfectly clear, but he signed a contract for 10 years and he is involved in many things. We will be there.”

The boss also explained how Haaland has become even more pivotal to his side with desire to help his team-mates at both ends of the pitch.

Guardiola also says it is important that  Erling’s workload is carefully managed, too.

“His presence in the set pieces, he is so tall, aggressive and support us defensively,” said Pep.

“We try to allow him to run as less as possible and the effort because he is so big he cannot play every three days and make the big actions for 30/40 metres -I don’t want that.

“If we control the ball through the passes for 11 months, we handle those games we survive.

“Less injuries and everything. That’s how it’s possible to help us. And he is helping us.”

More to follow...