Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was today drawn on the humourous story surrounding the efforts of rival fans to have Erling Haaland banned from taking to the pitch moving forward.
The name of hitman Haaland has, of course, taken its place front and centre in the headlines across Europe over the early months of the campaign.
This comes with the Norwegian having dispelled any remaining doubters when it comes to his talents, courtesy of a record-setting start to life in English football.
All told, since linking up with Guardiola’s City in the summer, Haaland has taken to the pitch on 12 occasions.
And, across these appearances, the 22-year-old has racked up a staggering 19 goals, to go along with three assists.
.@ErlingHaaland‘s third hat-trick of the season! ✨#ManCity pic.twitter.com/KuVlmUz0p6
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 2, 2022
Such eye-watering figures, though, have not gone down all too well with supporters of the Premier League champions’ rivals.
A petition to get Erling Haaland banned from playing in the Premier League because ‘he’s a robot’ got nearly 2 million signatures. 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Cy7ZiiaBsm
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) October 7, 2022
Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference ahead of City’s meeting with Southampton on Saturday, the subject of the fan petition in question, in turn, was put to none other than Pep Guardiola.
And the Spanish tactician, as showcased below, evidently saw the funny side of things.
“Yeah, it’s a joke,” Guardiola responded, with a smile spreading across his face. “It’s a joke, it’s good.”
🗣 “It’s a joke, it’s good.” 😅
Pep Guardiola’s reaction to the petition trying to get Erling Haaland banned from the Premier League pic.twitter.com/akqAJixbR8
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 7, 2022
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