Pep Guardiola refuses to discuss Man City links to Erling Haaland as he focuses on ‘historic’ winter schedule

Matt Verri10 December 2021

Pep Guardiola refused to discuss the possibility of Erling Haaland signing for Man City next summer should the striker leave Borussia Dortmund.

Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola has said there is a “big chance” the Norwegian could find a new club at the end of the season, and he stated that Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Man City were the potential options.

The 21-year-old’s contract is believed to have a £64million release clause, and the fact his father Alf Inge played for City for three years has only added to the speculation that the Etihad could be a future destination for Haaland.

However, Guardiola had no interest in the topic when it was brought up at his press-conference.

“Next question. Don’t ask me about that - I’m not going to answer,” Guardiola said.

City host Wolves on Saturday afternoon in the early-kick, a team that have scored just 12 Premier League goals this season.

Only Norwich have scored fewer than Bruno Lage’s side, but they have only conceded 13 and so sit eight as a result of so many tight matches.

They fell to defeat last time out after Divock Origi’s 94th-minute winner, and Guardiola is expecting a difficult match against a team that many have found difficult to break down.

“It’s not just about their game against Liverpool. You can take a look at the goals conceded and goals converted and the balance is so stable,” the City boss said.

“It’s a team that concede few and don’t score much. It is quite similar to when we played against Wolves last year. They were always tight games for the quality they have.

“They are up there, they are doing an incredible season so far. We know it but at the same time we are in a good position to continue our run in the Premier League.”

The match against Wolves will be City’s fourth since the start of December, with five more to follow before the New Year.

Guardiola enjoyed a winter break while managing at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but he is not against the hectic schedule over Christmas.

He said: “It’s good, it’s historic. I like to play in the winter time in this period. My words will not change anything

“Every season I’ve seen statements on this for the last 20, 30, 40 years and nothing changes. We just adapt, adjust and pray players don’t get injured. We go on, go forwards.

“The players have the ability to excel to their limits as much as possible in what they have to do.”

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