FIT AND FIRING
Pep says Haaland is stronger than ever after summer surgery
PEP GUARDIOLA has warned Manchester City’s rivals that Erling Haaland has overcome his persistent fitness problems after the club’s medical department worked wonders with him.
Haaland averaged just 20 league matches a season before joining from Borussia Dortmund for £51million and the physicality of the Premier League was a key reason the striker debated a switch to Real Madrid. But after intensive work with City’s sports therapist Mario Pafundi, the Norway international has started every game this season for club and country, scoring 15 goals in 11 games.
Haaland had surgery in the summer, while he did not train for the first week of pre-season, and Pafundi has been working closely with him since — even accompanying the 22-year-old on international duty.
‘Erling struggled a lot in Dortmund last year with injuries and arrived here with small problems after surgery,’ Guardiola said. ‘He started to work with Mario and other guys. Thanks to them — and his work ethic — he can play regularly now.
‘I’ve always said to the club that the most important department in the backroom staff is the physios. They take care of the legs.
‘Thank you to Erling and the treatment from the guys. The clubs earn a lot of money when the players can play and most of the time it’s thanks to the physios.’
The Premier League champions can go eight points clear of Manchester United with victory in tomorrow’s derby, and Haaland has leant on his father, Alfie, for advice on the encounter.
Haaland Snr knows the derby only too well, picking up an injury 21 years ago when Roy Keane clattered into his right knee.
‘I will probably speak to my dad about it yeah, but I know what it’s like and I’m ready,’ Haaland said. ‘I’m excited, it will be a great experience.
‘I expect United to be hardworking, they’ll come to try to destroy us, but we have to believe in ourselves and take advantage of being at home. We have to attack the game.’
Guardiola wants supporters to play their part at the Etihad Stadium, too. ‘It’s important we feel pressure from them,’ he added. ‘We need them. I want them to be active. It’s not just a football game.
‘We cannot be lazy. You need to express emotions and feeling. We need to demand the best of ourselves. Otherwise against these type of opponents, it’s difficult to win.’
Meanwhile, the hamstring injury John Stones sustained with England is not a long-term issue. But Kalvin Phillips could be missing until close to the World Cup after a shoulder operation.