Guardiola defends Haaland as best striker amid Keane criticism
Pep Guardiola has strongly supported Erling Haaland following criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane after their draw against Arsenal (0-0) on Sunday. Guardiola expressed full confidence in Haaland, calling him the “best striker in the world.”
Haaland, despite facing criticism from Keane for his performance, has received unwavering backing from his manager.
Guardiola didn’t appreciate Keane’s comments comparing Haaland, the current Premier League top scorer with 18 goals, to a fourth-division player.
«I don’t agree with him, not at all. It’s like me saying he is a manager for the second or third division. (…) They missed chances, they missed a billion times and they were injured when they were criticised by former players», Guardiola said in a press conference.
Despite a quiet outing against Arsenal, 23-year-old Erling Haaland remains a crucial part of Manchester City’s attack in Guardiola’s eyes: «He is the best striker in the world and he helped us win (the treble) last season. The reason we are not creating many chances is not because of Erling».
The Norwegian “cyborg” will have the opportunity to get back on the scoresheet on Wednesday evening against Aston Villa (20:15) in the 31st round of matches.
