Haaland Astounded By Guardiola’s Crazy Prediction. When it comes to predicting Manchester City games, Erling Haaland believes Pep Guardiola almost has telepathic powers. Haaland has dominated the Premier League since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
During a smooth transition period, the Norwegian international scored 14 goals in nine appearances for City. However, he has yet to adjust to Guardiola’s ‘crazy’ football addiction.
“The day before a game, he tells us what’s going to happen and then next day, exactly that happens,” Haaland told Gary Neville in an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Manchester derby.
“It’s crazy! Sometimes I don’t understand how it’s possible. He’s crazy when it comes to football; a football-holic if you can call it that!”
Manchester City will face an on-form Manchester United, who enter their first derby under Erik ten Hag after four straight Premier League victories.
Haaland will face Antony, who has made a good start to his Man United career after joining from Ajax in the summer. Guardiola urged his team not to underestimate the United striker during his pre-match press conference.
“Erling is taller. But I like when people underestimate players for their size,” Guardiola said.
“Knowing from my experience there is no doubt [about Martinez].
“It’s not the first time that he’ll play against strikers taller than him. In the box, in those positions, Erling is taller.”