According to reports from Spain, Pep Guardiola and Erling Halaand may have had a fallout after the Ballon d’Or gala last month. Journalist Eduardo Inda from Bernabeu Digital claims that Pep’s comments about Messi and Haaland made the Norwegian star upset with his manager. Pep Guardiola praised Leo Messi ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony with a comparison to Erling Haaland. This might not have sit right with the striker who helped Man City achieve the treble last season for the first time in their history.
What did Pep Guardiola say?
The Spanish manager was full of praise for the 8 time Ballon d’Or winner before the Ballon d’Or ceremony. According to Eduardo,
“They tell me from the player’s entourage that there has been a certain disagreement with Guardiola since before the Ballon d’Or gala,”
He pointed out the main issue which might have upset Erling Haaland,
“Pep grandly praised Messi, saying that his worst season ‘Leo coincided with the best of Haaland.’
“(He) praised both of them, but he put in that phrase and Haaland was not amused. There is a certain distance from the coach. The relationship is not in a good moment. What you have to say is that the Ballon d’Or has to go to your star and not Leo Messi.”
Can this be an end of Haaland and Pep Guardiola?
It is highly unlikely that a minor disagreement like this might impact the future of the Norwegian in Man City. Haaland has been one of the most important players for Man City in their success. But this can be an opportunity for clubs like Real Madrid who are keen to sign Haaland if Kylian Mbappe deal fails through. Real Madrid must be following the news closely about this rumoured discontent in the City dressing room.
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