“He Was a Little Bit Tired Mentally” – Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland’s Struggles in Manchester City’s Last Season

Last year was a golden goose for Manchester City. The English Premier League side managed to clinch the impossible, winning the historic treble. But it seems to have also brought a fair share of problems on the individual front, surrounding players. In a surprise revelation, Pep Guardiola has openly highlighted the particular pressure and ‘tension for the finals,’ that Erling Haaland faced amid the extraordinary previous season. 

This revelation came after the Spaniard appeared for the pre-match press conference for tonight’s Burnley clash. After claiming that he’ll only start Erling Haaland if he’s convinced by the training session, Guardiola disclosed that the Norwegian superstar is quite bored and is eager to play. “But at the same time, he refreshed his mind. When he came back from the summertime, [Haaland] was a little bit tired,” revealed Guardiola. 

He further divulged the intricate battle that the striker faced. “It was the first season in his life he played this amount of games, never ever played this amount, and the tension for the finals that we had in the FA Cup, the Premier League, the Champions League, he was a little bit tired, mentally,” he added. Guardiola further claimed that Haaland’s recent absences were for his own good.

“I think maybe it helps to be fresh and now is, ‘Wow, I want to play and want to help the team and score goals.’ That’s why, maybe, for the last part of the season, he will help us,” he concluded. While not being able to play must have left Haaland frustrated, he was able to rejuvenate himself.

Erling Haaland will be looking to haunt Pep Guardiola’s former disciple 

Tonight, Pep Guardiola will be facing his former player and Manchester City legend, Vincent Kompany, who brings Burnley to the Etihad Stadium. With Erling Haaland’s presence as a major boost for Cityzens, Burnley’s problems are certain to worsen. The 23-year-old hitman would be looking to score some goals to mark the occasion of his return. 

READ MORE: Manchester City Injury Update: Erling Haaland’s Return Announced, Manuel Akanji & John Stones Near Return vs Burnley

Likewise, the Sky Blues would be eager to clinch the three points and try to get back at the top. On the other hand, the Clarets are grappling with the relegation spot and are placed 19th with just 12 points. Burnley has already faced the wrath of the Norwegian star, earlier this season. Will they fall prey once again?

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