Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Erling Braut Haaland is probably ready to play for the Premier League giant duel against Liverpool on Saturday.
The Norwegian striker has struggled with an injury, but should be on the road to recovery, according to the City manager. Among other things, the striker sat out the international match against Scotland, due to the injury problems.
– Haaland trained
Guardiola spoke about Haaland at a press conference in connection with the big game on Friday afternoon.
– He trained yesterday with some discomfort, and we train today as well. Hopefully he can be part of it (training), says City manager Pep Guardiola at the press conference before Saturday’s game.
There are still question marks surrounding several City players heading into the match. Besides Haaland, goalkeeper Ederson, Nathan Aké, Sergio Gómez are relevant for the match after injury.
– We have a few problems, just like other clubs. We’ll see in training, and we’ll see tomorrow. At six o’clock tonight I know for sure who I have available for tomorrow, said Guardiola.
Boasting of Liverpool
The Spanish coach also spoke of his admiration for Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp at the press conference.
– He makes me a better manager. Through his teams, the transitions, the back room they create, Darwin Núñez, Mohamed Salah. There is no doubt that they are a fantastic team, says Guardiola.
– Liverpool have always been our biggest rivals (during Guardiola’s time at the club, editor’s note). We are good friends. Time flies. Liverpool are not the same team they were eight years ago. There are similarities, but Trent Alexander-Arnold can play centrally now. There are still many of the same ideas. It’s a top team, a top club and I’m looking forward to it, says the City manager.
Close to the top
Manchester City tops the Premier League table after 12 league rounds with 28 points. Liverpool are close behind with their 27 points.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also hanging in the top flight so far with 27, 26 and 25 points respectively.
Kick-off at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon between the two big clubs is at 1.30pm.
(©NTB)
2023-11-24 13:37:07
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