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.
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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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