Pep Guardiola tells the striker to get rest and stay “fresh”
Erling Haaland will continue to wait for his 100th Premier League goal after failing to score for Manchester City against Leeds on Saturday.
City needed a late intervention from Phil Foden to secure victory and end a two-game losing run. The England midfielder scored twice, once in the second minute and the second in stoppage time to deny Leeds at least a point, after the visitors had fought back superbly from two goals down in the second half.
City’s goalscoring machine failed to find the net on an off day. The Norway forward now has 99 Premier League goals in 110 appearances but he cut a frustrated figure at full time and was seen in animated conversation with Guardiola before attempting to walk away.
The City manager pulled him back in, embracing his striker as the discussion ended with smiles from both men. Guardiola later revealed what the discussion was all about.
“He’ll do it [get his 100th goal] next game,” Guardiola said. “Just we talk about rest. He has a huge body. Minutes, minutes, in that moment you’re fresh.
“Rest not just the legs,” added City’s manager, pointing to his head. “It’s not like Phil or Jeremy, they can rest. Erling is a big man. We need him so much.”
Haaland later posted a positive message on social media: “Not easy today but we never give up!”
