'Ask Media From Madrid': Pep Guardiola Slams Rumours of Erling Haaland Being Unhappy in Manchester City

Pep Guardiola dismissed all rumors that Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is not happy at Manchester City on Friday.

Spanish media have speculated in recent days that Haaland could turn his back on City for Real Madrid after being snubbed for multiple top-level awards this past season.

Despite a record 52 goals last season and being a driving force in City’s historic treble Haaland was second to Lionel Messi in the 2023 Best Fifa award. He tied with the Argentinian on 48 votes but lost because a greater number of national team captains chose Messi.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was also asked about the rumours.

“I don’t know, you have to ask the media from Madrid,” said Guardiola.

“Maybe they have more info than we have. We don’t have that feeling that he’s unhappy. He was [unhappy] because he could not play for two months because he was injured but maybe the media from Spain, and especially Madrid, have more information than us.

“We cannot say he didn’t adapt quickly [on joining in summer 2022] and he was not fine since he arrived. But we cannot control what people say. What’s important is that he’s happy. And when he’s unhappy, he will make his decision.”

Erling Haaland was finally back in action for City after coming in as a second-half substitute in their previous PL fixture against Burnley, where they won 3-1.

“Yes, he’s ready (to start),” added Guardiola.

“Everyone is ready right now because they are not injured as much. If they are on the bench, they are ready.”

Haaland went goalless in his 20-minute cameo upon return but nonetheless, he remains the Premier League’s top goal-scorer with 14 in 16 appearances this season.

And for Guardiola, it is merely a matter of time before Haaland gets back into scorching hot form in front of goal.

“He played 25 minutes and every transition, every pass, all the players look at him. I know how important he is for us,” said Guardiola.

“We try for all the strikers to be happy, especially him, and it will depend how we play. If we play quite comfortable and good, he will get a lot of balls.

“This is what we want and after that he will do the rest.”

(with inputs from agencies)