Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola questioned the presence of Erling Haaland for the momentous duel against Arsenal on Wednesday in the Premier League.
The Norwegian striker was substituted at half-time in City’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. After the game, Guardiola said that Haaland received a “blow”.
Haaland participated in the recovery session, but Guardiola did not want to confirm if the top scorer in the league – author of 25 goals – will be able to play in the visit to the Emirates stadium for the clash between the top two in the table.
“Right now I don’t know,” Guardiola said on Tuesday.
The teams are separated by three points and City could come out on top thanks to better goal difference if they emerge victorious. Arsenal has a game pending.
While noting it’s an important game, Guardiola tried to play it down by noting that reigning champions City still have 15 games to play.
“I have the feeling that many things can still happen,” Guardiola said. “We have the FA Cup and the Champions League ahead and we are going to try to be there for the last 8 and 10 Premier League games. That is the goal.”
City beat Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup last month at home at the Etihad, and the visitors fielded several substitutes.
Guardiola opined that this is the strongest Arsenal team he has faced since taking over as City manager in 2016.
“They have been the best team in the Premier League. They have had a sensational first half of the season,” he stated.
Before answering questions at the pre-match press conference, Guardiola apologized to Steven Gerrard for what the City manager described as “unnecessary and stupid” comments about the Liverpool legend last week.
Defending City against Premier League allegations that the club broke financial regulations between 2009-18, Guardiola mentioned the slip Gerrard suffered during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat by Chelsea in one of the last games of the Premier League. 2013-14 season.
That Liverpool defeat helped City to be crowned league champions that season.
“I don’t know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard’s slip,” Guardiola said on Friday. Do you remember that situation at Anfield? I didn’t want to because I respect Steven Gerrard, but is it our fault?”
On Tuesday, Guardiola said he admires Gerrard and was “embarrassed.”
“He doesn’t deserve it,” he said. He sincerely wanted to defend my club, but I don’t think I did it right by naming him and making that stupid comment.
