“We have to take care of him!” – Pep Guardiola reveals reason behind Erling Haaland’s substitution against Bratislava

Pep Guardiola has revealed the reason behind the early substitution of Erling Haaland against Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night, despite the opportunity of more goals.

The Norway international striker scored the third of Manchester City’s four goals in Slovakia as part of a commanding 0-4 performance in Bratislava that moves the club much higher in the UEFA Champions League table.

The four strikes in Slovakia were Manchester City’s first goals of the season, having played out a tightly-contested 0-0 draw against Inter Milan last month, whilst also returning to their free-scoring ways after some close contests elsewhere in English competition.

But whilst goal difference could likely play a part in the final standings in the league phase this season, Pep Guardiola opted to withdraw the club’s leading goalscorer of this season so far with plenty of time remaining in the contest.

Speaking during his post-match press conference following a 0-4 win over Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night, Guardiola revealed the details of his conversation with Haaland following the Norwegian’s substitution against the Slovakian club.

“Erling (Haaland) is never disappointed with his manager… Never, ever! Listen, as a manager, I am more secure and happy when Erling is on the pitch,” Guardiola said.

“I will keep him on the pitch all the time, but it was 0-3, it was almost over the game, and with this amount of games that we have, we have to take care of him!

“He had a big knock in the last game against Newcastle, so that’s why after 0-3 and a fantastic goal, the pass from Rico (Lewis), after that it’s better (to take him off).”

Ultimately, Erling Haaland’s early withdrawal from proceedings after the hour mark would only enable another goalscorer to make their way onto the pitch, with James McAtee recording a night to remember.

The England youth international would score his first goal since establishing himself as a Manchester City first-team player, combining with Rico Lewis and Phil Foden in the build-up to round off the scoring and produce a goal made by City Football Academy graduates.