Erling Haaland has shared insights into the intense work ethic of Pep Guardiola, stating that the Manchester City manager remains the hardest working individual at the club. As Guardiola approaches his tenth season with City, his remarkable tenure has already produced six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and four League Cups. Despite these achievements, Guardiola’s hunger for success continues to drive him and his team.
Haaland, who chose to join Manchester City over prestigious clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, expressed his admiration for Guardiola during an appearance on the “Rest is Football” podcast. He remarked on the manager’s exceptional commitment, highlighting that, “He’s the first one to come, the last one to leave, and I think that also is what’s been taking him so far because of his hard work every single day.” The Norwegian forward emphasized that Guardiola’s dedication and motivation are key components of his success.
After facing challenges at the start of the season, with City losing two of their first three Premier League matches, they are currently in pursuit of league leaders Arsenal. Haaland’s impressive performance, with 20 goals and three assists in 20 appearances this season, has been pivotal in helping the team maintain a strong league position. His commitment to the club was solidified in January when he signed a nine-year contract, ensuring his stay in Manchester until 2034.
Guardiola’s future at the club was under scrutiny last season, but he signed a two-year contract extension in December 2024, securing his position until 2027. Haaland has expressed confidence in Guardiola’s commitment to City, stating, “I was always confident the Catalan would remain in situ.” He acknowledged that his decision to sign a long-term contract was influenced by discussions with club management about their future plans.
Reflecting on his reasons for joining Manchester City, Haaland said, “Pep was a big reason why I came to City, of course, to work with him and to be able to experience him and his special ways and his hard work.” He also noted the importance of being in a football-centric environment, stating that England is “the best place to play football.”
As the season unfolds, Haaland’s performances and Guardiola’s leadership will be crucial for Manchester City as they aim for further success both domestically and in Europe. The synergy between player and manager appears to be a significant factor in the club’s ambitions, with both committed to achieving more on the pitch.
