Haaland shone in his match-winning debut – then he called Guardiola crazy – VG

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– It’s a good start, a lovely goal and a good atmosphere. So that was nice. I have a positive outlook on the season. I think it will be “really” good, says Haaland to VG after the goal in The 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the very special match of the night.

He says that the first time at Manchester City has been good and interesting under coach Pep Guardiola.

– Guardiola is a bit crazy, and I like that. This is going to be fun. I’ve been there for a week, so I can’t say too much. But I’ve trained well and I’m ready for what’s to come, says Haaland with a grin, without wanting to elaborate on what makes Guardiola “crazy”.

In connection with the match, the Norwegian rocked the audience here in the USA.

Just before the scheduled kick-off at 18.00 local time, lightning began to fall over the arena. Heavy clouds turned what had long been a sunny day into pitch darkness. At risk to life and health, the players were sent to the dressing room, the fans were told to leave the roofless stands and the match was postponed. A quarter of an hour later than planned, the match was started and Haaland needed less than 12 minutes to score the first goal in his new club.

VG stood close to the players’ tunnel when the Norwegian phenomenon and the rest of the players then had to seek shelter again. In the hour that followed, hectic meetings took place between the police, the fire service, team managers and the American television rights holder ESPN. The despair over the storm was great, but not for Jack Grealish and Haaland. The duo had just combined for the leading goal when VG witnessed an exchange of messages between the two in the players’ tunnel. It was obvious that the atmosphere was good.

Around an hour later, Haaland showed up again. Fortunately, the eye of the storm had left the arena, and the match was completed with two 40 minute games. In the stands, the fans were back, sharing the joy of seeing two of the world’s best football teams in action up close.

– It was amazing. Almost 80,000 spectators who cheered and shouted. It was a lovely atmosphere in a beautiful stadium. It was good to score the first goal here, says Haaland, who was named the best player on the field.

American AJ Mills was among the many euphoric supporters present at the match. He believes that the potential of the glacial arc is endless.

– Haaland will be the world’s best forward, says Mills to VG.

After sitting out the USA camp’s first practice match earlier in the week, Haaland got 40 minutes in his first match in six weeks. The 22-year-old admits that his form is not at his best. Nevertheless, it was more than good enough to sink Bayern Munich.

– It was about time. I have lost seven times in a row against them. It feels good to win against Bayern. Our quality is good. It was good to play and win against Bayern and get a real test before the Liverpool game next week, says Haaland.

– The form is not perfect, I must admit, but it will come. I’m not worried about that. I am ready, says Haaland, who would not elaborate on the problems that kept him out against Club América.

– You saw today that I feel good and am ready. It was good to get going again, after six weeks without playing a match. It’s a good feeling, says the Norwegian, who was praised by Guardiola after the match.

– Erling just has to be himself. I know he’s always there for passes like Jack hit today. Erling has a nose for goals, notes the City manager.

The team’s next game is the Community Shield final against Liverpool next Saturday. The following weekend is the start of the series in the Premier League.

The match against Bayern Munich was broadcast live VG+ Sport. You can watch the entire match in replay here – without the interruption that came in the first half:

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