'He didn't feel ready' - Pep Guardiola on why Erling Haaland didn't play against Real Madrid for Man City
Published 20/02/2025 at 00:12 GMT
Manchester City's attacking threat against Real Madrid was diminished after their starting XI was announced, with Erling Haaland a notable absentee. City's top scorer was named on the bench, alongside Jack Grealish, with both suffering knocks over the last week. Kevin De Bruyne was also left on the bench for the second leg in the Spanish capital, as Guardiola put faith in Abdukodir Khusanov.
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Erling Haaland was named as a substitute for Manchester City's UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
There was some surprise when the starting XI was announced, although the striker picked up an injury late-on in last weekend's 4-0 win over Newcastle United and was forced off.
And he was deemed only fit enough for the bench, with Bernardo Silva taking his place in the team.
It proved a blow for City, who were aiming to overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg at the Etihad, where Real Madrid scored two late goals through Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham.
Without Haaland even making a substitute appearance, the emphasis was on Omar Marmoush, who scored his first City goals with a superb hat-trick against Newcastle, but failed to notch at the Bernabeu.
Jack Grealish was also named as a substitute, having gone off injured in the first half of the Real Madrid first leg.
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Haaland 'not close enough' for a starting role as Guardiola looks ahead to 'massive' game
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Asked about the attacking duo, Pep Guardiola said: "Yes, they travelled. We will see tomorrow but it's good news they are here obviously."
On Haaland specifically, the City boss said: "Not close enough. He trained a little bit yesterday but spoke this morning and said he doesn't feel good so we choose another one.
"Of course, Erling is massively important for us, not necessary to be a manager to realise [that]. But it is what it is. During this season [there] have been many cases [of injury]; it could not be different for this important game."
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In his post-match press conference after City's 3-1 defeat on the night, Guardiola was once again asked about his decision to leave Haaland on the bench.
"Erling trained yesterday," Guardiola explained.
"I believe the images we have done are fine, but he has discomfort walking and for example on stairs.
"We spoke yesterday, and this morning, and he said he didn’t feel good, didn’t feel ready."
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