Guardiola defends Haaland after Keane’s criticism

The Sky Blues head coach has defended star Erling Haaland after Roy Keane’s criticism after last weekend’s goalless draw vs. Arsenal.

🗣️ Pep Guardiola has responded to Roy Keane's claims that Erling Haaland is "almost like a League Two player".#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/jAbR5Z5CZW

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 2, 2024

The ex-Red Devils captain shared that the Norwegian striker’s “general play” is “so poor” and “almost like a League 2 footballer”.

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“I don’t agree with Keane, absolutely not,” shared the Manchester City manager when asked about Roy’s comments.

Erling netted 52 goals in all tournaments in the past campaign and has 29 this season, 18 of which are in the EPL.

“Haaland is the best forward in the world,” added Pep of his Norway international striker.

“Erling helped us be successful in the past campaign, and the reason why we didn’t create many chances for Haaland against the Gunners was that we needed more presence in the final 3^rd with more people.

The Sky Blues are 3 points behind leaders Liverpool after the draw against the Gunners, as that was City’s 1^st EPL game at the Etihad Stadium in which they failed to score since October 2021.