‘Wow!’, ‘Smart move’, ‘We need him fit for the derby’ – Man City fans react as ‘awesome’ news on Erling Haaland emerges

Manchester City have despatched physio Mario Pafundi out to Norway’s coaching camp to keep an in depth eye on Erling Haaland.

It is the first international break since he officially became a City player and his new club are keen to build a relationship with his national set up.

Mario Pafundi, a sports therapist, was appointed during Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge at City and has struck up a bond with Haaland since the 22-year-old’s summer arrival.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken on Monday confirmed that Pafundi was linking up with the squad ahead of Nations League ties against Slovenia and Serbia, adding that he came recommended by the striker.

According to the Daily Mail, Pafundi’s role is to maintain the daily routine Haaland has undergone while at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League champions have done similar with Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero in the past.

Haaland suffered with various injuries last season and City have been carefully monitoring his physical progress, believing Pafundi’s presence with Norway should enable him to preserve his fitness.

Guardiola has started Haaland in all nine competitive matches so far this season, with the £51million signing plundering 14 goals – including the second during Saturday’s win over Wolves.

The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Beautiful news let’s go”
Credit: @19Alvarez_

“Txiki aint taking any chances”
Credit: @johnnydejesus_

“Wow! This is awesome. Have not heard about this before. City and Haaland are really taking all steps possible to keep Haaland injury free. It’s great for Norway as well. A win-win situation.”
Credit: @smile_pleas3

“Smart move”
Credit: @SheikhManCity08

“We need him fit for the derby”
Credit: @ItsDebruyneSzn

“It shows Haaland was impressed by the elite medical team we have at man city”
Credit: @Anderson_5454

“What I got from this is Erling will stay longer at City.”
Credit: @Kuligan22

“We are protecting our investment at all cost, lovely stuff. you are being delusional if you think Haaland is leaving Man City to Real Madrid anytime soon. Man City will give him Mbappe’s money just to keep him if it comes to that, which I doubt.”
Credit: @YCowtipper