‘Well said Pep’, ‘one match won’t define his season’ – Man City fans react as Guardiola gives verdict on Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola insisted Erling Haaland will score goals for Manchester City following a disappointing competitive debut that saw him finish on the losing side to Liverpool.

The Premier League champions were beaten 3-1 by the FA Cup and League Cup winners in Saturday’s Community Shield, with goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez cancelling out Julian Alvarez’s strike for City in the second period.

But for the other debutant in sky blue, it was a frustrating evening in Leicester as he failed to find the back of the net or effectively link up with his new team-mates.

Despite that, Guardiola has no concerns about the display from his new No.9, as City begin to integrate the striker.

Instead, the Catalan felt Haaland’s ability to create goalscoring opportunities showed signs of optimism for the season ahead.

“He had chances – two or three in the first half and one at the end,” said Guardiola. “Always he was there. He fought a lot and made the movements.

“It is good for him to see the reality in a new country and a new league but he was there. He didn’t score. He has incredible quality and he will do it.

“When Erling Haaland scored in the States everyone talked about how impressive he was. He was there and had the chances – nothing changes. He’s strong. Another time he will put it in the net. It’s football.

“He was there. He had another goal disallowed because the ball was out so he has this talent and he will do it. It’s good to understand sometimes the situation to know what we have to do.

“I’m not concerned or worried about that. I’d have been happy to win and him score goals but the reality is we have 11 months ahead of us that are so intense – with the World Cup we play every three days – and he is going to help us. “

These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Well said Pep.”
Credit: @cmattingly97

“1 match won’t define his season”
Credit: @MCFCAG

“Pep finally speaking facts.”
Credit: @CANCE7O

“Atleast Pep knows whats about to come.”
Credit: @4Foden

“Haaland showed glimpses and he’s definitely going to bag for us. I’m just worried about how slow our wingers are. This is why I’ve been banging on that we need another winger that offers something different..”
Credit: @MCFC_JO

“Facts. When he scored against Bayern, people were gassed, but now it’s the complete opposite. There aren’t that many strikers who would of reacted the same way he did.”
Credit: @ftblyousef_

“Everyone is so reactionary nowadays.”
Credit: @TheCanceloEra