Erling Haaland could start against Brentford on Monday evening Pep Guardiola has revealed. The City manager has also dismissed rumours of the striker being unhappy at the club. Recent reports from the Spanish media suggested that City’s number 9 is unhappy in Manchester and is seeking a move to Real Madrid.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference Guardiola revealed that Erling Haaland could start against Brentford. After making his return from a foot injury against Burnley on Wednesday evening the striker may be in line to start against Thomas Frank’s side. When asked if Haaland could start the City manager said: “Yes, he’s ready. Everyone is ready right now because they are not injured as much. If they are on the bench, they are ready.”
Guardiola also spoke about how important Haaland is to his side. He added: “Every transition, every pass, all the players look at him. I know how important he is for us.”
The topic of Erling Haaland’s happiness at Manchester City was also raised. Pep Guardiola moved quickly to dismiss reports from Spain about Haaland being unhappy at Manchester City. He told the media: “I don’t know, you have to ask the media from Madrid. 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.”
It would be a massive boost for Manchester City to have Erling Haaland back in the starting lineup against Brentford. Thomas Frank’s side beat the world champions twice last season and will pose a tricky test for City.
As for the Spanish Media’s claims they have become part and parcel of recent coverage of City’s number 9. But there is no suggestion that a move is imminent for Haaland as Pep Guardiola’s response to questions on his star striker’s happiness indicates.
