By Humberto Viera
03 Apr 2024, 1:28 PM EDT
Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, came out in defense of the Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, whom he considers the best striker in the world, in the face of critical comments from Roy Keane. Keane had called Haaland a “League Two (fourth division) attacker” after a viral video circulated in which Haaland missed several passes during training.
Guardiola expressed his disagreement with Keane during a press conference, highlighting Haaland’s importance to Manchester City last season and explaining that the lack of offensive solutions in the last game against Arsenal was due to the need for a greater presence in the area. rival.
“He is the best striker in the world. The season helped us a lot and the reason why we did not create solutions for him is because we need a greater presence in the last third of the field,” added the Spanish coach about the goalless draw against Arsenal.
The Spanish coach also criticized Keane’s attitude, suggesting that his comments were unfair and comparing the situation with the hypothetical statement that Keane would be a Second or Third division coach, which he believes would not be true.
“It’s as if I were saying that he is a Second or Third division coach. Is not true. I’m surprised that the criticism comes from former players. From the journalists, I understand it, because they have never been on the field,” Guardiola insisted.
Although Haaland has slightly decreased his performance this season, accumulating 29 goals in 35 games after missing almost two months due to injury, he remains one of the most outstanding players in the Premier League and in the Champions League, where he is currently the top scorer.
Keep reading:
–Roy Keane on Erling Haaland: “He must improve to reach the level of a fourth division player”
–The MLS is among the 10 most powerful leagues in the world, according to a study
–Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses Maradona in free kick goals and stalks Lionel Messi