Pep Guardiola Reveals Why He Chose Not to Play Erling Haaland Against Wolves
In his post-match interview, Guardiola reveals the key factors behind his decision to keep Haaland on the bench, prioritizing the striker’s long-term fitness over short-term impact.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained his decision to leave Erling Haaland on the bench during their hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolves — and it’s all about timing and caution.
After the final whistle at the Etihad, where a first-half goal from Kevin de Bruyne sealed a crucial victory, Guardiola addressed growing questions from fans and media about Haaland’s absence from the action. The Norwegian striker who recentlly returned to training after an injury was expected by many to get a few minutes in the game. But Guardiola had other plans.
“I thought about that [bringing him on],” Guardiola admitted in his post-match interview. “But it’s just two training sessions with us and the moment was a little bit… I decided for the other types of players.”
The decision shows Guardiola’s normal cautious approach to player management particularly when dealing with someone as important to the team’s success as Haaland. The attacker has missed many games due to injury, and despite returning to training earlier in the week, Guardiola wasn’t willing to take any chances.
For a manager in the middle of a tense top-four race and preparing for the FA Cup final later this month, the priority is clear: protect key players and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
“We have important games coming,” Guardiola added. “It’s not just about today, it’s about making sure everyone is fully ready when it really matters.”
Haaland’s return to training is a positive sign for City as they will be looking to him for great contribution in their final stretch of fixtures. With four Premier League matches left and the FA Cup final close Guardiola’s restraint could pay off if it means having a fully fit Haaland ready for the biggest moments.