Pep Guardiola reveals Erling Haaland was ‘really pleased’ despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi – and backs the Man City star to win one in the future

• Pep Guardiola reveals that Erling Haaland was ‘really pleased’ coming second
• He backed his striker to go and win in the future with his ‘whole career ahead’
• Big debates on Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal on It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

Pep Guardiola said that Erling Haaland was ‘really pleased’ to come second in the Ballon d’Or race – despite many thinking he was a deserving winner. 

The 52-goal striker was tipped by many to pick up the award after firing City to the Treble but Messi won out after his World Cup triumph. 

Guardiola was asked if the competition was all just a popularity contest ahead of Man City’s match against Bournemouth on Saturday.  

He said: ‘I would say that I saw him so happy to be a contender close with Messi and Mbappe. It was a good night for Man City.

‘Big congratulations to Leo Messi and Aitana Bonmati. It’s so important for us because we have not been there many times. For the first time we were important being there. 

Pep Guardiola said that Erling Haaland was ‘really pleased’ to come second in the Ballon d’Or 

Haaland won the Gerd Muller Trophy for Best Striker but finished second in the Ballon d’Or 

‘He has his whole career ahead of him and he can say “okay, maybe next season”. He was really pleased to be there.’

Guardiola also spoke about the impact of Jeremy Doku. 

The young winger has scored three and assisted twice since signing from Rennes in the summer.

Guardiola said: ‘He is so young, he listens, he improves. He realises what we suggest and it carries out immediately. 

‘His impact has been really really good. From the beginning, the bench, his impact has been massive.’ 

Source: Read Full Article