PEP Guardiola revealed Erling Haaland has become a dad in a post-match interview after the Norway star scored to end Man City’s barren run.
Days after partner Isabel gave birth to their first child, Haaland scored for the first time in five games to kill off spirited Leicester.
REXErling Haaland has been a shell of his usual self this season[/caption]
REUTERSThe Norwegian ended his mini-drought in Man City’s 2-0 win over Leciester on Sunday[/caption]
RexManager Pep Gurdiola has leapt to the defence of the under-fire Norwegian[/caption]
SPLASHGuardiola casually revealed Haaland has welcomed his first child into the world with girlfriend Isabel Johansen[/caption]
City boss Pep Guardiola, who celebrated his 500th game in charge with his team’s first win since December 4, said: “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.”
Haaland was so pumped that he turned the air blue after his second-half header sealed a much-needed victory for the struggling champions.
The Norwegian striker said: “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.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
GettyErling Haaland and Isabel Johansen have been dating since they were both at Borussia Dortmund[/caption]
Guardiola seconded that emotion after City had won just one and lost NINE of their previous 13 games in all competitions.
The City boss said: “The right word to use, more than happiness, is relief.
“As a performance it hasn’t been the best, I couldn’t expect differently.
“Against Everton, the performance was better by far but today we won and that’s what we need to clean our minds and souls and see we can win games.
“I know the last 13-14 games have not really been good but comparing that to 500, we have to be so pleased and so happy with what we have done together.
“We have done a lot of things that will be a memory forever.
“Maybe that period, the month and a half to two months that feels like 500 months, will make you realise how nice it was.
“Hopefully we can come back. Maybe we will not be what we were but closer than now. “
Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was left to rue captain Jamie Vardy missing a golden chance as his side failed to turn an encouraging display into points.
Van Nistelrooy said: “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.
“As a striker, you need a bit of luck in taking these moments.
“But of course it’s where games are decided.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
