Local journalist says that Erling Braut Haaland (23) had to be referred to the bench sooner or later – but wonders why right now.
We are reporting from Manchester, England
Wednesday 3 April at 21:08
– It is a big surprise. Everyone was shocked at the stadium, says Daily Mail reporter Jack Gaughan.
The explanation, in his eyes: City play at home and are favourites, they go for victory in all competitions and at one point or another the players must be rested.
– Having said that, it is also surprising that he is sent off on the same day as Kevin De Bruyne. And especially against Aston Villa, who played them in December, says Gaughan.
Villa won the opposite match 1–0. Fully deserved, according to Guardiola.
While City’s starting eleven – with Julian Alvarez at the top instead of Haaland – warms up, Haaland stands and tricks a bit with the ball, he stretches and chats a bit with his colleagues.
That he does not start when he is healthy is extremely rare, especially in the league – and especially when they have something to play for.
Not since the end of last year has he been benched without being injured in the league. It happened in games after Manchester City had already won the league.
Manager Pep Guardiola says the reason is the match schedule.
“New match 12.30 on Saturday”, he says in the interview before the match.
Manchester City face an almost two-month period with games every three or four days.
They are fighting for the top three trophies again this year.
The Norwegian goal king has four goals in eight league games after returning from injury in January.
After Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal, he received harsh criticism from Manchester United legend Roy Keane in the Sky Sports studio.
Guardiola defended the Norwegian at Friday’s press conference, and Gaughan in the Daily Mail believes not the manager tries to send a signal by benching him. But:
– Guardiola has a history of saying one thing publicly and one thing internally.
– It is surprising, even if it had to happen at one point or another. But why he doesn’t do it away against Crystal Palace on Saturday, I don’t know, says Gaughan.
