Guardiola refuses to answer question, but well aware of Haaland ‘quality’

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola regards Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland as one of the best strikers in the world.

Quadruple-chasing City are set to come up against the highly-rated Norwegian after being drawn against Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Guardiola of the 20-year-old at a press conference. “He is one of the best strikers in the world right now for his age. I know the quality of this player.”

Guardiola did not wish to comment on reports linking City with a potential move for Haaland in the summer.

Guardiola said: “He is a player for Borussia Dortmund. I don’t like it when people talk about our players so I cannot answer this question.”

Guardiola will devote plenty of time during the upcoming international break to studying Dortmund.

He said: “It is a privilege to be in the last eight teams. I didn’t see much of them this season because we don’t have time, but in this international break will have time to see them. But Dortmund are always a good team.”

 

Pep Guardiola not focused on Champions League quarter-finals

Pep Guardiola not focused on Champions League quarter-finals

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his team must not think about the Champions League quarter-finals and take every game as it comes.

 

Guardiola’s immediate priority is Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Everton at Goodison Park.

He said: “It is a final tomorrow, away. The quality of their players is there, no doubt about it.

“But it is another incredible opportunity in a competition. It is the last game before the international break. Hopefully we can finish well and when we come back the important part of the season starts.”


Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Pep praise for Ancelotti

Guardiola also spoke of his admiration for Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti.

He said: “I don’t know how many years he has been a manager, but it was at the best clubs in the world. In all the places he has had success.

“People talk about him as a manager and person and I know how he took care of me before I started. I visited him in Milan and he allowed me to see one or two training sessions.

“He was so kind. I admire him a lot.”

READ MORE: Chelsea linked with Man City legend who has ‘offer’ from La Liga giants