Guardiola refuses to be drawn on Haaland-Man City links

News Desk
Pep Guardiola
March 9, 2021, Dortmund, Germany: ERLING HAALAND, of Borussia Dortmund, celebrates a goal during the during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla FC at Signal Iduna Park. Borussia Dortmund scored a draw 2:2 with Sevilla. (Credit Image: © Marc Niemeyer/DAX via ZUMA Wire)

Pep Guardiola has lauded Erling Haaland, labelling the Borussia Dortmund forward as “one of the best strikers in the world” right now.

Man City booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Borussia Monchengladbach. They will face German opposition again in the last eight as they have been drawn to face Borussia Dortmund.

They will come up against Haaland in these games, a player who has been linked with a move to City of late.


Big Weekend – Leicester v Manchester United, Stones, Mourinho


The 20-year-old has 47 goals from 48 appearances for Dortmund. Speaking ahead of this tie, Guardiola said that Haaland’s numbers speak for themselves:

“It is a privilege to be in the last eight teams. I didn’t see much of them this season because we don’t have time, but in this international break will have time to see them. But Dortmund are always a good team.

“He is a player for Borussia Dortmund. I don’t like it when people talk about our players so I cannot answer this question.

“The numbers speak for themselves. He is one of the best strikers in the world right now for his age. I know the quality of this player.”

Guardiola also previewed Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final between Man City and Everton. His players go up against a Toffees side led by Carlo Ancelotti, who is “admired” by the City boss:

“I don’t know how many years he has been a manager, but it was at the best clubs in the world. In all the places he has had success.

“People talk about him as a manager and person and I know how he took care of me before I started. I visited him in Milan and he allowed me to see one or two training sessions.

“He was so kind. I admire him a lot.”

“It is a final tomorrow, away. The quality of their players is there, no doubt about it.

“But it is another incredible opportunity in a competition. It is the last game before the international break. Hopefully, we can finish well and when we come back the important part of the season starts.”