Erling Haaland recently praised Pep Guardiola, highlighting the manager’s exceptional work ethic at Manchester City. As Guardiola approaches his tenth season with the club, he has already secured an impressive array of trophies, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, and four League Cups. Despite these achievements, the 54-year-old Catalan remains driven to pursue further success.
Haaland, who joined City after being convinced by Guardiola to choose the club over giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, shared insights about his manager’s dedication during an appearance on the Rest is Football podcast. He remarked, “He works harder than everyone. He’s the hardest working in the club. He’s the first one to come, the last one to leave.”
This intense commitment, according to Haaland, is a key factor in Guardiola’s long-standing success. The Norwegian forward added, “It’s dedication. It’s motivation and also it’s an intense way of seeing football and working with football I think. That’s the main thing.”
Manchester City has faced challenges this season, having lost two of their first three matches in the Premier League. Currently, they are striving to close the gap with league leaders Arsenal. Haaland’s own performance has been instrumental in their pursuit; he has netted20 goals and providedthree assists across20 appearances in all competitions this season.
In January 2022, Haaland committed to City by signing a significant nine-year contract, which will keep him at the club until2034. Meanwhile, Guardiola’s future was a topic of speculation last season, but he secured a two-year contract extension inDecember 2024, ensuring his presence at the club until 2027. Despite the rumblings about potential departures, Haaland expressed confidence in Guardiola’s commitment to City.
Reflecting on his decision to join the club, Haaland stated, “That’s the reason that I also signed it because of conversations that I’ve had with the bosses and also the plan in the next years.” He emphasized his happiness at City and the opportunities it provides for development, stating, “England, it’s a football country, and I think it’s the best place to play football.”
When discussing Guardiola’s contract, Haaland remarked, “I knew he was staying for another year or another year-and-a-half.” He acknowledged the importance of a manager in a player’s decision to join a club, noting, “Never go to a club because of the manager, which sometimes can be difficult.”
Guardiola’s influence was undoubtedly a significant factor in Haaland’s move to Manchester City. He expressed eagerness to work with Guardiola, citing the manager’s unique approach and relentless drive as key elements of his decision. For Haaland, the partnership with Guardiola represents an exciting chapter in his football career, one that promises continued growth and success.
