Pep Guardiola issues personal speech dedicated to Erling Haaland inside Manchester City dressing room | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been keen to recognise the defensive work of Erling Haaland during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle.

While the headlines again focused on the goals that kept City firmly in the Premier League title hunt, Guardiola was quick to underline the less glamorous contributions that proved decisive on a demanding evening.

Against an aggressive and physical opponent in the Magpies, Manchester City were forced to adapt, relying not just on fluid attacking play but also on discipline and sacrifice from every area of the pitch.

The narrow victory at the Etihad Stadium moved City to within striking distance of leaders Arsenal, but it was the collective effort – particularly without the ball – that most impressed Pep Guardiola as his side were pushed hard throughout the contest.

Speaking to reporters after the contest, Guardiola highlighted Erling Haaland as his own personal Player of the Match against Eddie Howe’s side, despite the Norwegian not featuring on the scoresheet.

“Erling today was the Man of the Match for me [against Newcastle], the Man of the Match. Because he fought with [Dan] Burn, against man-marking you have to play more direct, and if you don’t fight for those balls 50/50, no chance. And he did it,” said Guardiola.

Marc Guehi would also later reveal in an interview with TV broadcasters that Guardiola had also taken time in the dressing room after the contest to issue special praise for Haaland for his defensive commitments throughout the game.

“The manager just gave him a little speech inside, to be honest,” Guehi revealed. “How amazing he was today, his work ethic is amazing; fighting for every single ball against Dan [Burn].

“He’s a real focal point for us at the top of the field, and I’m glad he’s done so well for us today.”

Erling Haaland’s influence was felt despite being kept off the scoresheet by a stubborn Newcastle defence marshalled by Eddie Howe. His physical duel with Dan Burn allowed City to play more directly when needed, relieving pressure and helping the hosts regain territory during difficult spells, particularly in the second half.

Pep Guardiola’s public praise, followed by a personal address in the dressing room, further illustrates the standards being set as Manchester City enter an increasingly critical phase of the season.

For a striker so often judged purely on goals, recognition of Erling Haaland’s defensive discipline sends a clear message about the collective demands required to sustain a title challenge.

With goals already flowing from other areas of the pitch and performances being measured beyond statistics alone, Pep Guardiola will hope that such commitment – epitomised by Haaland on Saturday night – continues to define City’s push for silverware.