Guardiola is confident Haaland will regain his brilliance against Real Madrid

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola expressed his confidence that Erling Haaland will return to his best levels when the English team hosts Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final after the Norwegian striker failed to score in the first leg.

Haaland scored 51 goals in all competitions this season, which is a record, but Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger imposed strict control that limited the danger of the Norwegian player in the 1-1 draw in the first leg that was held at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium last Tuesday. Guardiola told reporters before facing Everton in the English Premier League, “Congratulations to Rudiger. But we cannot forget that Erling is 22 years old, and this was the first time that he played in the semi-finals of the Champions League.” “It’s the first time he’s played at the Bernabeu, one of the biggest stadiums, against a top club who has good players in all positions,” he said. “The next time it will be a little easier.”

He added, “If the team can raise the bar in some aspects the way we think in preparation for Wednesday’s game, maybe it will be easier for him.”
Before facing the Spanish team, league leaders City will seek to increase the difference that separates them from their closest competitors to four points when they visit Everton today, Sunday.

Guardiola said, “The Premier League title is very important, although I know that the Champions League has a very special place. It is about long months, a lot of difficult matches and an incredible effort, this is the most important.” He added, “In the end, for your sake. What a privilege. The club looks after us very well. We have to be ready to get the job done.”