Pep Guardiola reveals unseen confrontation that's put Erling Haaland back among the goals

Pep Guardiola has revealed how a kick up the backside put Erling Haaland back in the goals.

The Manchester City boss felt last season’s Golden Boot winner was beating himself up as the Premier League champions struggled to end Everton’s resistance at the weekend. But Guardiola gave Haaland a few choice words at the break - and the 23-year-old responded with a double as the Blues kept up the pressure at the top of the table.

City now step up their bid to retain the Champions League in Denmark - and Guardiola explained: “Erling is young, playing in the most difficult position on the pitch, surrounded by four or five players with minor space.

“In that moment, he has to be positive. When he scored a goal, he reacted - but he doesn't need to score because he helps us for many things. He defines himself by goals but it is not just that. It’s about clapping, encouraging his mates and the first intense press.

“If he doesn't score in 10 minutes, it’s okay. But in the process he has to try to be ‘let's go’ because the team always wins when they overcome bad moments.

“There will be moments when we suffer. In those moments will we be sad and depressed or react? We cannot forget he has been two months out, which is a lot of time with a guy who is so tall. Back to being dynamic is not easy and he's a huge competitor who wants to score goals. We know, so relax.”

Haaland’s goals at the weekend were his first since returning from a stress fracture of his foot that sidelined him for two months.

Guardiola admitted he had been concerned with his team’s body language - but believes that City’s willingness to go through the pain barrier is what sets them apart.

He said: “It looks like I am complaining about Erling but it was in general. How many