Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has admitted that it is ‘brutal’ working with Pep Guardiola sometimes.
Speaking to L’Equipe, the Norwegian goalscorer opened up on what it is like to be managed by one of the greatest managers of all time.
Erling Haaland said that it is not always rosy being coached by a perfectionist like Pep Guardiola.
Erling Haaland says working with Pep Guardiola can be ‘brutal’
Branded as ‘amazing’ by Mateo Kovacic, there is no questioning that Pep Guardiola is the best manager in world football.
Nor is there any doubting the Catalan’s status as a visionary who changed the scope of the beautiful game right from the outset.
However, Erling Haaland believes that working with Pep Guardiola is not the smooth ride some would expect at all times.
“Pep demands a lot from you. You can’t get sloppy with a coach this demanding. That’s his way of managing. In any case, to develop and progress, it is better to have the whole truth in a very direct way. We can say it, sometimes it’s brutal. But I like that. It shows that he is totally involved and passionate.”
However, a born winner like Erling Haaland enjoys being pushed by Pep Guardiola, saying, “On the first day at Burnley, he could be seen. But I appreciate it because he shows that he is totally committed and passionate. It’s not always pleasant but, at the same time, it brings you face to face with the truth and I know his purpose is to make you a better player.”
“We have a very good relationship. Of course, he is very demanding in his work, he is very direct and honest in what he says, but that is the way he manages. That’s what happens at work. There’s a lot of fun outside. There are many smiles and the proof is in how the group has lived for several years.”
Erling Haaland will only thank his manager in years to come
It is nice to see Erling Haaland realise that at the end of the day, all Pep Guardiola wishes to do is maximise his potential.
While Guardiola’s picky ways may not always be appreciated by the 23-year-old, as he continues to scoop up silverware and individual honours in the future while getting the best out of his potential, he will be grateful for the testing times in sky blue.
Ultimately, it is managers like the Manchester City boss that are imperative in pushing such generational talents like Erling Haaland or Lionel Messi to hit unseen levels.
