Manchester City And Pep Guardiola's Plans For Erling Haaland Revealed

While the general consensus remains that Manchester City’s coup of Erling Haaland is set to be a huge success for both player and club, there have been several sceptics that have questioned whether the former Borussia Dortmund striker could fit into Pep Guardiola’s style of play.

Especially considering the overwhelming success of the Catalan boss’ false nine system in the last two seasons, that has been characterised by a host of world-class technicians dominating proceedings, but fans of all clubs expect the out-and-out goalscorer to undergo an adaptation period before he gets into the groove at the Etihad Stadium.

In addition, the Sky Blues’ ball-dominant style of play is often met by low blocks that require technically proficient operators to patiently unlock defences, as opposed to Borussia Dortmund, whose swift counter-attacking style of play against high lines has meant Erling Haaland’s searing pace and physicality has worked wonders in the Bundesliga in recent times.

As the question marks still hang over how the 21-year-old will settle in under Pep Guardiola in his first season, new details have emerged around how the blockbuster signing will be integrated into the side.

Erling Haaland reveals first conversations with Pep Guardiola (Photo via ManCity.com / Manchester City)

According to a report by Sam Lee and Pol Ballus of the Athletic, the initial plan to bed in Erling Haaland is understood not to be ‘overly complicated’, as it is expected that ‘no great tactical tweaks’ to Manchester City’s shape or style will be made as the player will simply be asked to adapt his own game to fit his new team.

While some may expect the Blues unique style of play to come as a major surprise to the youngster, he revealed in his first club interview that it was the Premier League champions’ approach going forward that played a major role in him deciding to leave Dortmund for Manchester.

“Yes of course; if not, I would not have come here. I like the style. I like attacking football, I like the positive vibe we have when City play football - this is what I like a lot. I think it is a really good fit,” the striker said.

As seen with the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva in recent years, it is natural for attacking players to struggle in their debut campaigns before they get up to speed with the Pep Guardiola way at the Etihad Stadium.

While it would come as no surprise to see Erling Haaland take his time to adapt to the Manchester City way, it is also worth remembering that the clinical marksman is a tailor-made fit for Premier League football, which means it is inevitable that he will set things alight in a Sky Blue shirt.

Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours

Srinivas Sadhanand

Football journalist, midfield enthusiast, human. In that order.

@notsrini_