“So Aggressive” – Pep Guardiola Warns Erling Haaland and Co. About ‘Tall and Physical’ Opponents Before Manchester City’s Champions League Clash

Fans know Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola for his thorough analysis and in-depth delve into his opponents’ tactics before each game. Erling Haaland, who scored 52 goals in 53 games, led the team from the front last season. Shortly before City’s upcoming clash with BSC Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League, Guardiola issued a statement of warning to his players, including the Norwegian hitman. 

Guardiola is known to be highly demanding of his players. As per reports, he has backed Erling Haaland to replicate his numbers from last season. The Spanish boss also implored the Norwegian striker to manage the lofty expectations for this campaign. In the pre-match press conference, Guardiola issued a statement advising against underestimating the Swiss club.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola fires warning bells ahead of Young Boys clash

Speaking to the media ahead of Manchester City’s group game against Young Boys, Guardiola hinted that his team would face a tough test as they lie on top of their group with nine points. Victory would secure their chances of qualifying for the next round. Young Boys, though, are a mature side after all. As per this tweet on X, by Football TalkHQ, the Man City gaffer mentioned, “So aggressive team. They don’t sit deep. Really tall and physical team. Link really well with the strikers… It will be a tough game.” 

The Young Boys rank second in the Swiss Super League, having suffered a single defeat this season, and possess formidable players. Guardiola’s remarks came just after City’s decisive win in the Premier League against Brighton. It was a hard-fought game for City, one which they narrowly won 2-1. However, for Erling Haaland, his short goal drought for City ended after he scored against the Seagulls.

Haaland ended his 3-game goal drought for Manchester City with a vital goal against Brighton at the Etihad. City eventually won 2-1 after goals from Haaland and Julian Alvarez gave them all three points. It gave them a morale-boosting victory after their 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.

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Erling Haaland on target against Brighton as goal drought ends

Haaland struck an emphatic left-footed effort from just outside the box that flew into the bottom corner of the Brighton net in the 19th minute. It was after Julian Alvarez gave City the lead in the seventh minute. Brighton, however, almost mounted a comeback after Ansu Fati scored in the 73rd minute to give them a scare.

For Erling Haaland, this was his 12th goal of the season for club and country after his brace for Norway against Cyprus in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Despite all the noise in the media, Haaland has also scored nine goals in as many Premier League games and is leading the league’s scoring charts despite his temporary blip.

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Nevertheless, all eyes will be on City’s game tonight against Young Boys as Guardiola and Co. look to defend their Champions League title.