Pep Guardiola's Encouraging Words to Erling Haaland: Insights from Man City's Win over Leeds
Pep Guardiola opens up about his conversation with Erling Haaland after Manchester City's hard-fought victory against Leeds United. Haaland was left waiting to reach his 100th Premier League goal, but Guardiola remains optimistic about his star striker's future success.
Pep Guardiola has revealed what he said to Erling Haaland after the pair were involved in a heated exchange following Manchester City’s 3-2 victory over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. The Norway international was made to wait for his landmark 100th Premier League goal as the 10-time champions secured all three points at the Etihad Stadium.Looking to return to form following successive defeats against Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen in the Premier League and Champions League respectively, City secured a big victory over Daniel Farke’s Leeds. Leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol, City were pegged back following strikes from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.However, in the first minute of additional time in the second half, midfielder Foden scored his second and City’s winner as he dribbled his way into space before firing the ball beyond Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri. The result saw Guardiola’s side move up to the second in the league table and just four points behind leaders Arsenal, who lock horns with third-placed Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.In what proved to be a frustrating outing for Haaland, the striker was unable to add to his remarkable goal tally in 2025-26. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, the 25-year-old - the league’s top scorer with 14 goals in just 13 games - failed to find the back of the net against strugglers Leeds, whom his father, Alf Inge Haaland, played for between 1997 and 2000.Disappointed after his bid to become the fastest player to score 100 Premier League goals was prolonged, Haaland was then involved in a tense discussion with Guardiola after the final whistle. After appearing to get his point across, the former Borussia Dortmund attacker then tried to walk away before being hugged twice by the City manager, who was equally keen to express his feelings. Both Haaland and Guardiola had smiles on their faces after their chat eventually came to an end.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!And Guardiola has now revealed what he said to Haaland after the game. Lifting the lid on the episode, the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss told BBC Sport: “He’ll do it [get his 100th goal] next game.“Just we talk about rest. He has a huge body. Minutes, minutes, in that moment you’re fresh. “Rest [is] not just the legs [pointing to his head]. It’s not like Phil or Jeremy [Doku], they can rest. Erling is a big man. We need him so much.”Meanwhile, Haaland took to Instagram following City’s late win over Leeds, simply writing: “Not easy today but we never give up!”Admitting he was “relieved” after Foden popped up with City’s winner in the final stages of a tightly-contested affair with Leeds, Guardiola felt his side should have put the game to bed a lot earlier than they did.In his post-match press conference, the Catalan said: “The game was not in the perfect place in the first half, but it should be over for the chances we have and we didn’t concede. And after that brilliantly, Daniel changed the system like Leverkusen did, the 5-3-2 and we conceded a goal we gave away in the first minutes [of the second half].“The build-up was completely different, and the shape takes influence in the way you play. Football is emotions and in that moment we concede the second. We made a step up and we reacted really well. Omar and Cherki came on, and we got more players in the box.“In the last minute we had to put the ball quick to the box because in that moment the process doesn’t exist. Being with fullbacks or wingers it doesn’t matter. At the end it was the quality of Phil again, a player with special [talent].”City are back in action when they travel to Fulham in the league on Tuesday, before they entertain high-flying Sunderland next Saturday. Guardiola’s charges then head to Real Madrid for a mouth-watering Champions League tie on 10 December.
Encouraging Exchange After Intense Match
Pep Guardiola recently shed light on the conversation he had with Erling Haaland following Manchester City's 3-2 win over Leeds United. The match was a rollercoaster ride with City going 2-0 up, only to be pegged back by Leeds before Phil Foden sealed the victory in the dying minutes. Haaland, the league's top scorer, had a frustrating game as he couldn't find the back of the net.
Guardiola's Reassurance to Haaland
Guardiola's message to Haaland was one of encouragement and support. He assured the striker that he will reach his 100th goal milestone in the upcoming games and emphasized the importance of rest for a player of Haaland's stature. Despite the tense exchange at the end of the match, both Guardiola and Haaland ended the conversation on a positive note.
Analysis of the Game and Post-Match Reactions
Guardiola expressed relief after Foden's late heroics secured the win for City. He acknowledged that the team could have been more clinical in front of goal earlier in the game. The Catalan manager also highlighted the tactical adjustments made by Leeds and praised his players for their response to adversity.
Upcoming Matches for Manchester City
Manchester City face upcoming fixtures against Fulham and Sunderland in the league, followed by a crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Guardiola will be hoping that his team can maintain their form and continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.

