Pep Guardiola Explains Why He Subbed off Erling Haaland During Manchester City’s UCL Game

• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has clarified that Erling Haaland was taken off at halftime to give him a rest after playing a lot of games this season
• Haaland started the game against Copenhagen and scored twice but was replaced at the start of the second half
• Guardiola has reiterated that he wants to keep him fresh ahead of the daunting game against Southampton

Manchester City fans had an uneasy time when Erling Haaland failed to reappear for the second half of their Champions League game against Copenhagen.

Haaland had started the game and grabbed a first-half brace but was hooked off at the break with Cole Palmer taking his position.

Such has been the form of the Norwegian striker that any injury to him would be a disaster for Pep Guardiola's side. However, the fans' fears were allayed when he made a lap of honour around the stadium after the game.

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Guardiola then put those fears to complete rest when he said he only wanted to rest his lead striker ahead of a congested schedule.

Manchester Evening News reports that Guardiola had the Southampton fixture at the back of his mind and wanted to have the Premier League top scorer in optimum condition.

"He plays a lot of minutes, the game was under control and Cole Palmer is an excellent player and was looking forward to playing. If the game had been tight, Erling would have continued, but it is better to rest for Southampton - who we weren't able to beat last season."

City won the game 5-0 to put them in prime position to qualify for the round of 16 as their pursuit of a maiden Champions League title continues.

Guardiola flexed his intense squad depth as Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden remained on the bench for the entire game.

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Pep Guardiola's priceless reaction captured after Erling Haaland scores yet again

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Erling Haaland left Pep Guardiola agape after he netted twice for Man City during the Champions League.

The Norwegian picked from where he left on Sunday during the Manchester derby by finding the back of the net twice in City's 5-0 win against Copenhagen.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a hot start to life since he joined the English champions, having already scored 19 goals in just 12 appearances.