Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions from Spanish media that Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester City.
There have been claims that the prolific Norwegian striker dislikes the city – and its weather – so much that he wants to leave the club.
Reports may inevitably suggest that Real Madrid are monitoring the situation, but Guardiola is not taking the rumors seriously.
“You have to ask the Madrid media if he is unhappy,” said the City manager. “Maybe they have more information than we do.
“We don’t have the feeling that he is unhappy. It was because he couldn’t play – he was injured for two months – but maybe the Spanish media, especially Madrid, have more information than us.
Haaland returned to action after 10 games with a leg injury in the champions’ 3-1 Premier League win over Burnley on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old could start for City when they travel to Burnley on Monday, aiming to add to the 19 goals in all competitions he has already scored this season and a remarkable 52 last term.
Guardiola said: “We can’t say he hasn’t adapted quickly and hasn’t been fine since he arrived – it’s just the level he’s shown from day one.
“We can’t control what people say, but the important thing is that he’s happy. When he’s unhappy, he makes up his mind.”
Haaland didn’t get on the scoresheet after coming off the bench against the Clarets, but even in his brief appearance, Guardiola felt his impact on the team was clear.
He said: “He played 25 minutes and every transition, every pass, all the players are looking at him. I know how important he is to us.
“We are trying to keep all the forwards happy, especially him, and it will depend on how we play. If we play quite comfortably and well, he will get a lot of balls.
“That’s what we want, and then he’ll do the rest.”
Haaland’s return to action coincided with Kevin De Bruyne’s first start since August and John Stones’ return from an ankle injury.
Asked if Haaland is now ready to start, Guardiola told a press conference: “Yes, he is ready.
“Everybody is ready now because they’re not as injured. If they’re on the bench, they’re ready.”
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