Despite Roy Keane’s recent criticism, Pep Guardiola will continue to coach his Manchester City players on the pitch after games.
Guardiola was seen speaking with Erling Haaland after last Sunday’s 3-0 Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, discussing City’s top scorer’s missed first-half header and the Norwegian’s nearly identical second-half opportunity.
Guardiola has done this for years, having a similar animated conversation with Haaland on the pitch at Burnley at the start of the season, and interrupting City’s celebrations after their 6-0 FA Cup final win over Watford in 2019 to make a point to Raheem Sterling.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was unimpressed last weekend, saying on Sky Sports that Guardiola was acting for the cameras and that he should “get down the tunnel, enjoy your victory,” but City manager Pep Guardiola said he often wants to make his point while it is still fresh.
“I have a lot of respect for Roy Keane,” Guardiola said. “Sometimes I finish the game and go inside, and other times I stay.” When I find a player, we discuss the game. I’m aware that the camera is present.
“At the time, I was outside, wanting to (celebrate) with the fans, especially those who were far away.” United is a big game for the fans.
“We talk about the second goal, the miss for the last minute (of the first half) with the (Andre) Onana action,” says the coach. He has the potential to be better and stronger.
“The header (could be) stronger to hit the back of the net with more force.” Erling experienced this in Burnley. I can get around it.
“Perhaps Roy is correct, but it happens.” I don’t need to do anything for the people at my age.
“Sometimes I go inside, sometimes I say hello to the officials.” It’s how I feel right now.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to go to the players after the game to put on a show for the fans…
“Of course, I could have done it inside. Look at that image, that action – I’ve done it many times in the locker room.
“It’s new, and the players have that image right now.” Sometimes you make an impression that stays with you (in your head).”
Haaland’s brace at Old Trafford brought his season total for City to 13 goals in 15 games.
Last season, his first in England, the 23-year-old hit 52 goals in all competitions as a player who had frequently suffered niggling injuries at Borussia Dortmund benefited from a month off during the World Cup break.
There will be no such opportunity this time, but Guardiola stated that he has no concerns about his star player’s fitness at the moment.
“He’s so important for us, and he feels really fit right now,” Guardiola said. “He came from Dortmund and had some niggles. Now, on the contrary, he feels liberated.
“I saw him training with incredible energy today.” I’m not thinking about March, April, or May. We try to win games so that we can compete in the competitions.
“We’ll see if he goes down and rests.” He’s feeling better now. Having him on the field instills confidence in us and provides an incredible threat…
“He scored a lot of goals, and he has a lot of chances to score more in every game.” So amazing, a wonderful player for us. We make extensive use of him.”
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