Guardiola’s obsession with the beautiful game has caught the Norwegian star by surprise.
Erling Haaland believes Pep Guardiola almost has psychic powers when it comes to predicting Manchester City games.
Since completing a sensational summer move from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm.
A seamless integration period has seen the Norway international score 14 goals in nine appearances for City. However, he still hasn’t get used to Guardiola’s ‘crazy’ addiction to football.
“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!”
Man City faces an in-form Manchester United, who come into their first derby under Erik ten Hag after four consecutive Premier League wins.
Haaland will have a duel with Antony, who has found a solid start to his Man Utd career after a summer move from Ajax.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola urged his side to avoid underestimating the United striker.
“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.”
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