I Chatted With Haaland On The Pitch Because I Wanted To Relate With The Fans – Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has come out to respond to Roy Keane’s criticism of the animated on-field chat he had with Erling Haaland following the Manchester derby. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.

According to him, even if he respects Roy Keane a lot, he clearly stayed on the stadium to discuss with Haaland because he wanted to enjoy that moment with City fans at Old Trafford.

Pep added that he was simply telling striker how he can do better in front of goal in future games.

His words, “I respect Roy Keane a lot. Sometimes I finish the game and go inside, sometimes I stay there. When I find a player we chat about the game. I know the camera is there, it is everywhere. I could tell him [Haaland] when we were inside but at that moment I was outside because I wanted to be with the fans, especially away. For the fans, United is an important game.

We chatted about the second goal, the miss for the last minute with the [Andre] Onana action [save]. He [Haaland] could be better, stronger. The header [could be] stronger to put the ball in the back of the net with more power.

It happened with Erling [Haaland] in Burnley. I can avoid it. Maybe Roy is right but it happens. I don’t need at my age to do something for the people. Sometimes I go inside, sometimes I say ‘hi’ to the referees. It’s what I feel in the moment. I don’t think after the game to go to the players to do some spectacle for the people. I’m old enough already.

I’ve done it all my career. I did it at Bayern [Munich] sometimes with [Joshua] Kimmich. It depends on the moment but it is not to make us feel how special we are.”