Pep Guardiola has expressed concern to Norway manager Ståle Solbakken that star striker Erling Haaland may not find much opportunity to rest this season.
Haaland has had an exceptional start to the season, netting an impressive 24 goals in just 14 games for both Guardiola’s Manchester City and the Norwegian national team.
His extraordinary performances have not only solidified City’s status as serious title contenders but also placed Norway on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup.
Norway has not appeared in the tournament since 1998, and while Haaland is essential to Solbakken’s squad, Guardiola also cannot afford to lose him.
Guardiola stated, “I’m truly sorry for my colleague Ståle Solbakken from the Norway national team, but that’s not on my mind right now.”
“Perhaps at the end of the season—if we are 10 points ahead in the Premier League with just 10 matches remaining—he can rest. For now, he feels fit and is doing well.”
“The Champions League is extremely important. Currently, the games we’ve played and the next two at home present us with a significant opportunity to secure a spot in the top eight.”
“In the Premier League, I don’t get the sense that Arsenal will drop many points. That’s just the reality.”
“Liverpool lost some league games, but they remain strong contenders. Three or four points at this stage mean little.”
“I have a feeling both teams will drop few points, which is why we need to stay competitive.”
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Haaland has scored in his last 12 matches for club and country, and he’ll look to prolong that streak as City faces Aston Villa in the Premier League this Sunday.
He is also closing in on a century of goals in the league, having tallied 96 from 105 appearances after his recent brace against Everton.
City will continue to be without key midfielder Rodri and will assess the fitness of his backup, Nico González, after he sustained a foot injury in Tuesday’s match against Villarreal.