Pep Guardiola labelled Erling Haaland the “best striker in the world” after the Manchester City frontman was likened to a League Two player by Roy Keane. (More Football News)
The former Manchester United captain observed his role as a pundit f🔴or Sky Sports after Haaland drew a blank in City’s goalless draw against Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Keane concurred Haaland, top of the scoring charts after winning last se𒈔ason’s Golden Boot, is in a class of his own in front of goal but added his all-round game is “almost like a League Two player”.
Guardiola was unimpressed by the remarks, arguing Haaland was instrumental in City’s 💫treble success last season before insisting any blame for not scoring against Arsenal should be shared by the team.
“I don’t agree with him, abꦏsolutely not,” Guardiola said. “He’s the best striker in the world and he helped us to win𓆏 what we won last season. Erling is exceptional.
“The reason we don’t create chances is not because of Erlin𒁏g. The stand💫ards that Erling has are unbelievable and everyone expects other things.
“There are games where he could be better but I knew during the game against Arsenal that the reason why we were not🍌 creating chances🀅 was not because of Erling.
“We needed more presence in the box. If we had that Erling would have more space. It happens sometimes. If yo✃u want to score goals, bring a lot of players to the opponent keeper, it is as simple as that.”
Guardiola▨, whose side welcome top-four hopefuls Aston Villa on Wednesday evening, admitted he is routinely bemused by former players offer𝓀ing scathing views about contemporary footballers.
However, the Spaniard accepts that criticism comes with the territory of b🔯eing a high-p🍃rofile professional footballer.
“If you don’t want to accept that as a football player, you have to dedicat🎐e yourself to 💃another job,” Guardiola said. “When you are a public figure, you have to accept it.
“That’s why when you aܫre in contract talks, you have to ask for a lot of money to accept those moments.
“I’m surprised it comes from former players. With journalists, I can understand becausꦉe they have never been on the pitch but the former players are always a surprise (when they are critical).”
When asked if he could see h⛎imself becoming a pundit in the future, 𝓰Guardiola added: “I don’t know what is going to happen but I am not the guy who is going to criticise my colleagues when I retire.”
Guardiola sarcastically quipped his “ego” was the driving factor behind a heated on-pitch exchange with Jack Grealish following the ful🀅l-time whistle after the Arsenal match.
Grealish has had a reduc♈ed role this season, partly through injuries, but Guardiola believes th🅠e England midfielder could have an impact as the season reaches the business end.
“I have the feeling that he’s back –ജ in mood and training and desire,” Guardiola added. “Now I’m pleased.
“I’v𓄧e only asked the players to be ready and be themselves, it doesn’t matter if they perform at the highest level or less. We need everyone with the title schedule.”
