Guardiola: “Haaland is young and has incredible talent”

Pep Guardiola offered his first public assessment of the signing of Erling Haaland after the victory of his team at the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Four goals from Kevin De Bruyne and another from Raheem Sterling saw Manchester City return to a three-point lead over Liverpool. The heads up between the two for the league title continues, but the finish line is getting closer. There are two games remaining, and the Mancunians need only add four points to win their fourth Premier League in five seasons.

You said Wolves would be a tough test but your team responded well…

Yes. Whenever we deservedly concede a goal or because the rival is better, well, well… But today we started controlling the game and playing very well. We scored a goal and defended very well. Yes, we conceded a goal, but then we quickly scored another. And that helped us a lot.

When you see your team play like this, or like against Newcastle United, do you get excited about Haaland’s arrival?

It is a decision of the whole club. He is a good signing for the future, hopefully he will come for many years. I am sure that he will adapt perfectly to our team, but that will be next season.

Are you excited to work with him?

My work excites me, of course. I like to work because we have good players. They make you a good coach. Of course, Haaland is young and incredibly talented. He arrives at a perfect age. I am sure that we will help you to adapt as well as possible.

You came on for Aymeric Laporte in the second half, are you worried he might not make it to the next game?

Yes, both he and Fernandinho were substituted because they had problems. It will be necessary to see if they arrive at West Ham.