Pep Guardiola was spotted in Oslo on Monday at the start of the international break.
The Manchester City boss declared ‘pre-season’ over after beginning the season with three wins from three in the Premier League plus a Community Shield win over Manchester United. Guardiola had previously warned City would start the season slowly as players returned from their holidays – hence the ‘pre-season’ comment about getting his squad as fit as possible.
Erling Haaland had a proper pre-season, netting five goals in the USA before continuing that form with seven goals in three league games in August. He now goes on international duty with Norway, with a long journey to Kazakhstan followed by a home clash with Austria.
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Haaland reported for international duty on Monday, posting an update from Oslo to social media, and it seems his club boss was in the Norwegian capital too. Photos sent to VG showed Guardiola visiting Deichman library in Oslo, with one fan recounting his brief conversation with the City manager.
The library manager confirmed Guardiola’s visit was made in a personal capacity and not pre-planned. The reason for Guardiola’s visit has not been confirmed, but he did comment on Haaland’s fitness and his long trip to eastern Europe this week.
“Last season, he struggled a little bit and this season I have the feeling he is better. I’m not going to say he can score 50 or 60 goals this season, it’s so difficult,” Guardiola said.
“We spoke with the physios and he doesn’t have any needles, he feels perfect. Whereas in his first season he had a lot. So he’s always smiling. So, yeah, of course, now it’s only one game a week. The tiredness will come and the winter will come.
“Now he’s going to go to Kazakhstan to play in the Nations League with Norway. It’s 10 hours flying, 10 hours to come back. This kind of stuff can accumulate, that’s why you have to be careful, but so far it’s really good.”
City have a close relationship with the Norwegian FA over Haaland’s injury-management, and have previously sent a physio to work personally with the striker while away on international duty. However, Guardiola has equally got frustrated with Norway – and other international associations – for using his players in non-competitive fixtures over recent seasons.
There is nothing yet to suggest Guardiola’s trip is connected to the Norway camp – and in January, he told Viaplay: “I have told Erling many times that I want to be invited to Oslo. I want to go to Norway. Not now, but in spring or summer.”