Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi, according to Pep Guardiola, both deserve to win the Ballon d’Or.
In Manchester City’s treble-winning season, Haaland scored 52 goals, earning him a nomination for the prized award.
Guardiola, the manager of City, has insisted throughout his tenure that his former Barcelona talisman, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, is the best player he has ever coached.
I’ve long maintained that there should be two categories for the Ballon d’Or: one for Messi and one for the other nominees.
“Haaland should win. Although Messi’s 52 goals helped us win the treble, his poorest season was still the greatest of most players. They both merit it.
“Egotistically, I would say that I want Erling because he assisted us in achieving our goals; I would adore it, but I won’t argue that Leo winning is unfair.
It’s great that many Man City players will be competing for these trophies for the first time in a long time. We are really proud of our organization because of that.
After losing to Wolves and Arsenal in their last two Premier League games before the break, Champions City is aiming to turn things around this weekend.
However, they will face a difficult test when Brighton visits the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola has been quite pleased with Brighton’s results under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
“He’s turning Brighton into a top club,” said Guardiola. Despite their departures, (Alexis) Mac Allister and (Levi) Colwill still play at a high level.
The previous season was also excellent. They were able to compete for the championship if not for various judgments against them in the last games that prevented them from competing in Europe.
We’re going to try to push through since it’s one of our biggest tests this year.
In order to keep his spot in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024, City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has battled for playing time under Guardiola, acknowledged this week that he needs to play more at the club level.
This has fueled rumors that he would go in January, and Guardiola did not rule it out when asked about it on Friday during a news conference.
The transfer window is closed, therefore we’re all together now, he declared. Kalvin is ideal when we require a game with transitions or a game with mayhem.
“There are still one or two guys who can do something better when you have to do it. That is the basic explanation.
He’ll remain around through the winter. Since nobody can predict what will happen when the window is open, I am unsure of what will occur.
Guardiola said that it was “so important” This past weekend saw Rodri’s welcome return after the crucial Spain midfielder’s recent suspension left him dearly missed.
Following an altercation with Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest last month, Rodri received a three-game suspension.
Rodri must learn, according to Guardiola. We must manage our feelings in order to get up and move. I have no doubt that he will progress.