Striker Erling Haaland was subtitued at half-time in a 0-0 draw between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in Germany.
In the press conference that followed the match, City’s manager Pep Guardiola revealed the three reasons that led him to withdraw the Norwegian goalscorer from the pitch.
The Spaniard manager said that Haaland was tired, with a little flu and had a foot tap, although he walked out normally.
“Three things. I saw him so tired. Second one there was a bit of influence (fever) in his body. And the third he had a knock in his foot. That is why he was unable to play in the second-half.” Guardiola said.
“I don’t know right now, I spoke to them (the medial staff) at half-time and they were a little bit concerned. But I saw him walking Ok at the end.” Guardiola added.
City and Dortmund played out a goalles draw in their penultimate Champions League Group G match, both securing the last 16 stage of the Champions League.
Guardiola’s side had a chance to win the match in the second-half as they were awarded a penalty by referee. Riyad Mahrez’s effort was saved and he has now failed to score three of his last four spot-kicks for City.
“We managed the second half and in the first half we conceded some counter-attacks, they are so fast. We suffered as a team, the game on Saturday was so tiring,” Guardiola said.
“It’s what we wanted, top of the group and we will be in the last 16 next time so really good. Dortmund did not want to press high so we adjusted a bit our pressing.”
“In the first half we had problems down the left side. Apparently, they thought a draw was good for them and for us as well.” he added.
Guardiola and his players will return to the Premier League when they travel to play Leicester City on Saturday.
