Pep Guardiola has lauded Erling Haaland after the Manchester City striker scored in the 5-2 win over Juventus at the Club World Cup.
Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Erling Haaland after the Manchester City star scored in their 5-2 victory over Juventus in the Club World Cup.
City secured top spot in Group G with the brilliant victory in Orlando, courtesy of goals from Jeremy Doku, a Pierre Kalulu own goal, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Savinho, thereby sealing City's third win in three matches.
Guardiola praises team, lauds Haaland
Pep Guardiola expressed immense satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting it as a significant return to their established standards.
The Spanish manager then emphasised that the primary target was to qualify for the next round, and the manner of their dominant win against a strong Juventus side was particularly pleasing.
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“Today was more or less a final, we talked about that,” Guardiola stated.
“It doesn’t matter what happened, the first target was to qualify, but we never know if it’s better to finish first or second. It’s how we play every game, friendly and official game, to win it. Today we did it, that’s what I’m pleased about.
“The players know it was the first time in a long time that we performed the way we performed.
“Today we adjusted a few things and the performance was really good against an incredibly strong team that made an incredible impact in the first two games as well.”
Moving on to Haaland, Guardiola was undeniably delighted about the striker scoring his 300th career goal for club and country.
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“All I can say is congratulations, scoring 300 goals at 24 years old, this is quite good right?” the Man City boss said.
“Hopefully he can do it, this manager now, his manager was an incredible football player. You are too young, you didn’t see me, but I scored 11 in 11 years, imagine that situation!
“I admire a lot the good strikers. I’m so happy for Erling, for his goal again and being involved in the short spaces. It was really good.”
What’s next for Man City?
Man City will face Al Hilal in the round of 16 next Tuesday, and the victor could face Inter or Fluminense.
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