Leeds United vs Man City: Guardiola issues warning to Haaland

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, has warned striker Erling Haaland not to expect to be softened up by any nice words from Leeds United ahead of his return to the city of his birth.

Haaland will be the centre of attention even more than usual on Wednesday night when Man City will tackle Leeds United at Elland Road.

Haaland, who has netted 24 goals in 19 appearances for Guardiola’s side, was born in the West Yorkshire city back in 2000 during his father Alf-Inge’s three-year spell as a defender with the Whites.

The Norway international grew up supporting Leeds as well as Man City, where Alf-Inge subsequently played for in the past.

“It’ll not be a friendly game. They want to win, we want to win. Their fans will push their team,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Man City’s tie with Leeds United.

“Hopefully, Erling cannot be contaminated with the nice words from the opponent. I think he’ll be ready and I am pretty sure Jesse would prefer to play with our good players on the pitch.”