Man City: Pep Guardiola explains Erling Haaland touchline incident after substitution | OneFootball

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has assured that Erling Haaland was not unhappy with him after being substituted in the win over Wolves.

But there were suggestions of the striker being unhappy with Guardiola when he was taken off during the second half.

The City manager stated post-game that referee Craig Pawson was responsible for Haaland’s ire.

Guardiola explained: “There were a lot of long balls into the channels where he won the position and was being pulled by the opponent and it was never [given as] a foul.

Erling Haaland was unhappy after being taken off

AFP via Getty Images

“When he's level with the shoulders I can understand but sometimes he won the position and was being pulled.

“He went down and sometimes it was no foul. It happens every game a lot of times. He was just a bit frustrated for these actions but I can guarantee how happy he was today.”

Guardiola praised Haaland for bouncing back to his best in what was his first start in two-and-a-half weeks.

He stated: “Today he did it and against Nottingham Forest as well. He was injured [before].

“He is so tall, so to return to top form, you need time. It’s not like Jeremy [Doku] or Phil [Foden] or Julian [Alvarez], they can be ready [quicker].

“I’m so happy for his performance and the exceptional goals he scored. Penalties as well, because we know how sometimes it is not easy. I’m really pleased for him.”