Pep Guardiola accidentally revealed that Erling Haaland has become a father following Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday. Haaland scored his first goal in five games, helping City secure the much-needed win. In his post-match interview, Guardiola opened up about the personal milestone for Haaland, who recently welcomed his first child with partner Isabel Johansen.
Guardiola shared his thoughts on Haaland’s current form and the emotional rollercoaster the striker is going through, saying, “Sometimes, Erling has been judged badly but it’s part of football. He’s tired, he’s played a lot of minutes. He’s become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him.”
QUOTES:
Pep Guardiola: “He’s tired, he’s played a lot of minutes. He’s become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him.”
Erling Haaland: “S**t happens. It’s always a relief when you score. Leicester did a really good game, we knew it was going to be difficult. It’s been a difficult time. I’m just happy we’re winning.”
Guardiola (on City’s win): “The right word to use, more than happiness, is relief. We won and that’s what we need to clean our minds and souls and see we can win games.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Leicester boss): “That’s why it hurts a bit that we didn’t take anything off the game, because of the performance. We created these moments in a great way. But of course it’s where games are decided.”
RECALL:
Haaland’s joyous news began circulating in October when the striker posted a playful selfie on social media while on international duty. The image, showing a football under his shirt and his thumb in his mouth, hinted at the upcoming arrival of a baby, with playful emojis indicating the same. His close-knit circle had known of the news for a while, with teammate Sander Berge revealing to Dagbladet that he had been aware of the pregnancy for some time.
Guardiola’s accidental revelation about Haaland’s new fatherhood came during the post-match interview after City’s crucial win over Leicester, marking the club’s first victory since December 4.
Haaland, who had been under pressure due to a recent goal drought, found the back of the net with a header to seal the victory. Despite the personal highs, Haaland’s performance was part of a team effort that Guardiola described as more about relief than happiness, given City’s tough recent run.
Leicester’s manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, expressed disappointment over his team’s inability to capitalize on promising moments, particularly after captain Jamie Vardy missed a golden chance.
Pep Guardiola: “It’s an exciting time for Erling and his partner. Fatherhood is a big step, but I know he’ll handle it just as well as he handles everything else. He’s had a lot of minutes this season, but we’re all proud of him.”
Sander Berge (Teammate): “I’ve known this for ages. I couldn’t be happier for him and his partner, Isabel. It’s amazing to see him become a father.”
Stale Solbakken (National Team Manager): “There are plenty of fathers in our squad now. The prospects for the national team manager in 25 years look very promising!”
CITATIONS:
- Manchester City Official Website
- Sky Sports Coverage
- Leicester City Official Website
KEEP IN MIND:
Haaland’s personal life is making headlines, but the striker remains focused on his professional commitments.
With Manchester City’s recent struggles, every win matters as Guardiola and his team work to rebuild confidence and push forward in the Premier League.
Haaland’s new fatherhood will no doubt play a role in his motivation moving forward, as the striker balances life on and off the pitch.
