Erling Haaland had ‘fever’ before Man City draw as Pep Guardiola laments penalty ‘problem’ after Riyad Mahrez miss

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland had “a bit of a fever” ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund.

Haaland and Joao Cancelo, who was also fatigued according to Guardiola, were taken off at half-time in City’s goalless draw with Dortmund on Tuesday night.
The result meant the Premier League Champions have qualified for the last 16 as group winners.

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“We suffered with the fact our game on Saturday was so demanding physically and the trip and everything,” Guardiola told BT Sport. “We were a little bit tired.

“Erling had a bit of fever before the game, Joao too. He was tired, Joao as well. That’s why we change it. In that period, we struggled a lot.”

The match also saw Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty early in the second half, only for it to be saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Mahrez also missed a spot-kick in City’s 0-0 draw against Copenhagen earlier this month.

Guardiola admits it’s an issue for the team, but batted away suggestions that Haaland will become their lead penalty taker.

“Of course it’s a problem,” said Guardiola. “Since I was here we missed 24 or 25 penalties, most of them in Champions League, it’s too much.

“I always admire the courage, the responsibility to do it. But we miss a lot of penalties. We have to improve. The little details and margins in this competition is the key, the difference.

“Riyad scored a lot in big important moments, here [in 2021 Champions League quarter-finals]. If he feels it next time, he is going to take it. But of course we have to improve.”

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