Pep Guardiola on Ballon d’Or: see what he says about Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi
Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi both deserve to win the Ballon d’Or, according to Pep Guardiola.
Haaland, who scored 52 goals during Manchester City’s treble-winning season, has been nominated for the prized award.
The former Barcelona star, who helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022, is the best player City manager Guardiola has ever coached, he has insisted.
Guardiola declared: “I’ve always maintained that there should be two categories for the Ballon d’Or: one for Messi and one for the other players.
Haland ought to prevail. He scored 52 goals, which is why we won the triple crown, but of course, Messi’s worst season is better than most players’. They both merit it.
“Egotistically, I would say that I want Erling since he made it possible for us to accomplish our goals. I would be happy if Erling prevails, but I won’t argue that Leo should win.
It’s good that a large number of Man City players will be competing for these trophies for the first time in a long time. That fills us with immense pride for our company.”
After losing their two Premier League games before the international break to Wolves and Arsenal, Champions City will be looking to bounce back this weekend.
But Brighton will be at the Etihad Stadium, posing a formidable challenge. Guardiola has been quite pleased with Brighton’s results under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
“He’s turning Brighton into a top club,” Guardiola remarked. Even though (Levi) Colwill and (Alexis) Mac Allister are no longer with them, they still play well.
“Last season was excellent as well. They made it to Europe, where they had a chance to compete for the title if not for several calls made against them in the final games.
“It is one of the toughest tests we have this season and we are going to try and go for it.”
In order to stay in the England squad for Euro 2024, Kalvin Phillips, a midfielder for City who has battled to get playing time under Guardiola, acknowledged this week that he needs to play more at the club level.
This has heightened rumors that he would depart in January, and Guardiola did not completely rule out that option when he spoke at a press conference on Friday.
“Now that the transfer window has ended, we are all together here,” he stated. Kalvin is ideal when we require a game with chaotic gameplay or transitions.
“There are still one or two players who are superior at doing tasks that you need to complete. That’s the only explanation.
“Until winter, he will remain here. Nobody knows what will happen after the window is open, therefore I have no idea.
Guardiola acknowledged how crucial that was. This past weekend saw Rodri’s return to action. During his recent suspension, the important midfield player for Spain was greatly missed.
After being sent off for an incident with Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest last month, Rodri was banned for three matches.
“Rodri needs to learn,” Guardiola remarked. We must learn to regulate our feelings and get back on track. He’s probably going to pick it up.”
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