Manchester City successfully defeated Burnley 3-0 in the opening match of the 2023-2024 Premier League on Saturday (12/8/2023). Even though they looked extraordinary, in fact Man City’s game still did not make the coach, Josep Guardiola happy.
Guardiola admitted that he was not satisfied with Man City’s performance even though they won three goals without reply. The coach from Spain considered that Man City’s performance could still be even better.
Yes, Man City started the 2023-2024 Premier League with an impressive win. Manchester City won three goals without reply over Burnley in the match which took place at Turf Moor, Lancashire.
Erling Haaland again proved his sharpness when scoring braces (4′) and (36′). Man City’s closing goal was scored by Rodri (75′).
Man City did win a landslide and stole full points, but Guardiola was not satisfied. Even Guardiola said that his team was lucky because they managed to score a quick goal through Haaland.
“We are still far from our best but we have to try not to drop points in this period with this number of games. How do you deal with this lack of preparation is a matter of mentality,” Guardiola said as quoted by the club’s official website, Saturday (12/8/2023).
“We were lucky to break the game early with goals from Erling (Haaland). But after we created problems for ourselves, the way we dueled with opposing players was not right,” he said later.
Not to forget, Guardiola also praised the fighting spirit of the opposing team. The coach from Spain said that facing a team that had just been promoted to the top caste was always difficult.
“The first away game against a newly promoted team with the passion and love they have for coming back to the Premier League, it’s always so complicated,” said Guardiola.
“We behaved well. We gave the ball away in different positions but they showed heart and passion.”
Josep Guardiola admitted he was annoyed to see Erling Haaland, who always asked for the ball without paying attention to the situation. Take for example when the first half was about to end, Erling Haaland asked for the ball even though he was being heavily guarded.
“Throughout the first half, Erling Haaland always asked for the ball even though he was being heavily guarded. Luckily Bernardo Silva took the right opportunity,” said Josep Guardiola quoted from the Manchester Evening News.
“The situation was when there were only two minutes left in the game, Mateo Kovacic and Rodri lost the ball, Erling Haaland then still asked for the ball. Luckily Bernardo Silva didn’t give it and it was the right decision,” continued Josep Guardiola.
Despite harshly criticizing Erling Haaland’s attitude, Josep Guardiola was pleased with the two goals scored by his striker. According to him, his harsh criticism at half-time was normal.
Josep Guardiola also added that Erling Haaland also looked happy after bringing in a brace in the first week of the 2023-2024 Premier League. Next Manchester City will compete in the European Super Cup in midweek against Sevilla.
