EPL: Guardiola explains why he had a quarrel with Haaland during match against Burnley

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has explained why he had a spat with Erling Haaland at half-time during their game against Burnley last night, despite the striker netting a first-half brace.

It took just four minutes for the Norwegian international to give City the lead against Burnley, before promptly scoring a second just over half an hour later. However, Guardiola did not seem happy with Haaland at half-time, storming onto the pitch and ranting at him.

Moments before the break, Haaland had himself fumed at Bernardo Silva when he wanted a quick ball played down the channel in his quest for more goals, only for the Portuguese to turn back and keep possession.

Guardiola who was angry with the Norwegian’s attitude, marched towards him at halftime to get him under control.

Much of what he said was inaudible but he was heard shouting “That was totally the opposite” before walking to slap the broadcast camera away.

When asked about the incident by journalists after the match, he said;

“He wants the ball to him all the time, man to man, one on one. Give me the balls in behind and I’m going to do it. But when you have two or three minutes left and Kovacic goes in behind and we lose the ball, and Rodri loses the ball. Erling wanted that ball and Bernardo was correct not to give him that ball. It’s not an incident. It’s a connection to do exactly what it is we need to do. There’s no problem at all. He scored two goals, I think he’s happy.”

Also commenting on the issue with Guardiola, Haaland told reporters;

“I try to focus everyday, and I say it all the time that it’s a pleasure to work with Pep. I have to keep on developing because I’m still young.

“I don’t think there’s anyone better to learn from. That incident was from the last action, because I got a bit mad at Bernardo [Silva] for not playing me in so he got a bit angry with me! But no, it’s a good start for the first game.”

City will be happy with their night’s work, quietening a raucous crowd and running out easy 3-0 winners.