Manchester City defender Gvardiol in awe of teammate Haaland،
The last time Manchester City hosted RB Leipzig was not a night Joško Gvardiol remembers with much fondness.
The Croatia international was then part of a Leipzig defense torn apart by City’s attack as Erling Haaland scored five goals in a 7-0 rout in the Champions League last 16 in March.
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Eight months later, as the two teams prepare to clash on the penultimate day of Group G of the competition, Gvardiol, now part of City’s defence, knows he has no no need to worry about a similar night of misery.
At least not in Haaland’s boots.
“I’m happy to be his teammate,” Gvardiol said when asked about the difference between playing against or with Haaland.
“It wasn’t just about Haaland, it was the first team on the pitch. [last season], it was a difficult match. As a central defender I was looking forward to facing Haaland but it didn’t end well.
“He scored five goals in 60 minutes. When I saw him get substituted, I was happy.”
City have won the Champions League for the first time and are off to a good start in their bid to retain the trophy.
They have a 100% record in the group and a point on Tuesday would secure them top spot ahead of Leipzig, who are also assured of their place in the last 16.
Haaland reached the 50 Premier League goal mark in record time this weekend and Gvardiol said watching the Norwegian at work was remarkable.
“At the start of the match he is nowhere, then he comes and scores a hat-trick. What he did, I don’t understand how but I appreciate it,” the 21-year-old said.
City manager Pep Guardiola may soon have additional defensive options with the news that John Stones is set to return after being out since early November.
“John Stones is better. Not playing, maybe a few minutes. Really close to coming back,” he said.
During Tuesday’s match, Guardiola added that the priority was to ensure his team wins first place.
We have to win or draw. The first stage is made for both teams, congratulations Leipzig. It’s important to finish first, it’s prestigious and it means the second leg of the round of 16 at home. Not decisive, but a little advantage,” he said. .
