Erling Haaland 'texted' Jesse Marsch when 'the schedule came out'
Jesse Marsch reveals Erling Haaland ‘texted me as the schedule came out’ but warns Leeds fans he expects his former player at RB Salzburg to cause ‘issues for us’ when the Whites host Man City on December 28
- Erling Haaland texted Jesse Marsch when he learnt of his side’s clash with Leeds
- Manchester City will travel to Elland Road on December 28 in second place
- READ: Haaland and Mo Salah will meet in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch admitted that Erling Haaland is likely to cause the Whites issues when they meet on December 28 – a meeting that the player ‘texted’ his former manager about when the schedule first came out.
Marsch warned supporters that he was fully aware of how dangerous the Norwegian forward can be – having coached him at RB Salzburg – but also revealed that both Erling and Alfie Haaland were quick to support the American on his appointment.
With Norway failing to qualify for Qatar – something that City boss Pep Guardiola believes leaves players in better stead – topscorer Haaland comes into the game fresh, although he was the subject of a hilarious Sky Sports advert over the break.
Jesse Marsch admitted that Erling Haaland is likely to cause Leeds side ‘issues’ on December 28
‘Erling texted me as soon as the schedule came out,’ Marsch said at a press conference. ‘I gave him permission to have a small hamstring injury for that match (December 28).
‘He was born in Leeds, his father has history here and he has the club in his heart because of that. When I got the job, him and his father were supportive.
‘We’ll expect him to be fully ready and passionate, which causes issues for us. I know how good he is and how good he can be.’
Haaland played 22 games under Marsch at RB Salzburg scoring 28 goals and making seven assists
Haaland has transformed into arguably the most deadly No 9 in world football since leaving RB Salzburg via Borussia Dortmund.
He has racked up a phenomenal 18 goals and three assists from just 13 games, and has broken numerous records since his summer arrival at the Etihad from the German outfit.
But he has a long affiliation with Elland Road – as Marsch alluded to – having been born in the Yorkshire city and spent time there as a child during his father’s playing days.
Yet Leeds have enjoyed a contrasting season so far to City, with Marsch’s side in 15th place, just two points from the bottom three, with the American so far keeping his job despite heavy scrutiny after a streak of nine games without a win.
The Norwegian has transformed into one of the most potent No 9s in European football
And although he claimed he has spent much of the mid-season break investing in his side’s fitness, he allowed that it would be an uphill battle against Guardiola’s City.
‘Right now, it is Man City we are focused on. I would have hoped their players would have gone deeper in the World Cup, but it is so competitive,’ he said.
‘They have a great squad and the best manager in the world.
‘We are not afraid of the biggest opponents. We’ve proven we can compete and get points, but we need a good plan and execution to do that and we know that.’
The 22-year-old striker is the top scorer in the Premier League this season with 18 goals already
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