Pep Guardiola has revealed that he left the choice to Erling Haaland regarding his participation in Manchester City‘s Premier League triumph over Brentford, following the striker’s personal loss of close family friend Ivar Eggja earlier this week.
Guardiola expressed his willingness to grant Haaland any necessary time off. However, the striker did not seek leave and instead delivered a stellar performance, netting two goals to secure City’s 2-1 comeback victory against Brentford.
“You have to be strong, maybe for 90 minutes forget your personal life,” Guardiola commented post-match. “If life gives you a punch in the face, it’s good to play.”
Discussing the decision-making process behind Haaland’s involvement, Guardiola offered insight into the simplicity of the situation.
“[We decided] yesterday, he was in the line-up. Of course it has been tough for his family. It’s difficult for every human being. The other day he came back, was a little bit down in the locker room.
“We try to take care of everyone here and of each other. If someone has problems we stay close to them.
“Yesterday he was better, he was making jokes. Sometimes it helps to forget things and do your job.
“I didn’t speak to him. We were in touch, ‘how did you feel’, I didn’t ask if he’s ready to play. If he wasn’t ready he would come to me and say he’s not ready.”
“He’s an incredible weapon, teams who are one vs one, if you isolate him against the centre-back, the quality with Ederson and Stefan [Ortega] with the long balls.
“It’s a weapon we have to exploit and use it. The best way is 93 minutes, forget and just play.”
