Pep Guardiola stated that Manchester City must manage Erling Haaland’s fitness, even if it requires the team to play with less confidence on the pitch.
Haaland sealed the victory with a composed finish after rounding the goalkeeper just before the hour mark in their Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.
However, he was immediately substituted afterward.
Following the match, the 24-year-old engaged in a lengthy discussion with Guardiola as they walked off the pitch together, deep in conversation.
While Man City’s manager would love to have Haaland on the field for every minute of every game, he must also consider the team’s relentless schedule.
After Haaland endured a physical battle at St James’ Park over the weekend, Guardiola decided it was best to rest him in Slovakia.
“Erling is never disappointed with his manager!” Pep Guardiola said.
“As a manager I am more secure and more happy when Erling is on the pitch.
“I will keep him on the pitch all the time but with 0-3 the game was almost over and with this amount of games we have to take care of him.
“He had a big knock last game against Newcastle so that’s why after 0-3 the fantastic goal with the pass from Rico and after that it’s better.”
McAtee made an impressive impact off the bench, scoring his first goal for City and sealing a convincing 4-0 win, which helped boost the team’s goal difference in the revamped Champions League format.
Guardiola noted that he was not fully aware of the specific qualification requirements, so he was not overly focused on goal difference despite the team missing several scoring opportunities.
However, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s first victory of the campaign.
“Someone said to me but I don’t think about that,” he said.
“Win games will be enough.
“It’s difficult, three tough tough away games.
“Have to do a lot of points, today a first victory to see ourselves higher in the table.”
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