Guardiola admonishes Haaland despite Premier League opening day brace

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola seems to be a player who is difficult to please, as the Cityzen’s boss was seen scolding two-goal hero, Erling Haaland after an opening day win over Burnley. 

The reigning champions got off to a brilliant start in their title defence as they swept aside Burnley in a routine 3-0 victory at Turf Moore. 

Among the scorers on the night was the usual suspect, Haaland, who picked up where he left off last season, scoring the 2023/24 campaign’s first goal after only three minutes. 

The Norwegian forward ended the game with a brace after doubling Manchester City’s lead 10 minutes before the break. 

Most coaches would have been happy with Haaland’s contributions on the night, but Guardiola appeared to have a bone to pick with the forward after the game, accosting the Norwegian as the players and staff made their way to the dressing room at full-time.

The Spanish gaffer remonstrated with Haaland, who seemed more interested in getting off the pitch for the after-game showers, before abandoning his grouse to get on with the post-match festivities. 

The pair’s mini-confrontation is unlikely to have major ramifications for the rest of the season, as Haaland has already shown he is ready to replicate his 52-goal season from 2023/24 season.