It turns out Erling Haaland may have a future in coaching after the Manchester City forward was spotted putting Bernardo Silva through his paces during their Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen.
The Norwegian 6ft5in powerhouse, who has scored 21 goals in 15 games for Pep Guardiola's side this season following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, was given a well-deserved rest in Denmark.
In fact, Haaland did not play a single minute for the Blues on Tuesday night as they progressed to the last-16.
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That being said, Haaland was heavily involved on the touchline, where he could be seen showing off his coaching skills.
As you can see in the footage below, the 22-year-old can be seen motivating Bernardo Silva with a series of hand gestures as the Portuguese midfielder warmed up alongside Phil Foden and Nathan Ake.
Clearly a popular member of the group, the enigmatic Haaland then made teammate Foden laugh with a joke.
Footage of the scene was captured by TNT Sports and well, it made for a good laugh.
One fan said: "If you’ve ever been part of a team, this is the type of teammate you enjoy being around - as long as they don’t overdo it. You can tell his teammates enjoy his presence," while another wrote: "I can’t seem to hate this guy."
A third commented: "It seams their dressing room would be a great place. They all appear to be getting on."
After the full-time whistle, City boss Pep Guardiola explained Haaland's absence against FC Copenhagen.
“He finished the game against Southampton so so tired and he didn't recover well these [last] two or three days," the Spaniard said. "Yesterday was not good, today was a little bit better but not perfect and that’s why we decided not to take the risk.
“Many players didn't start today because they were really exhausted and tired and fatigued, and [had] niggles," he added.
“Erling didn't feel really good after the game against Southampton, Phil also had some disturbing problems, Bernardo told us yesterday he was so tired. I didn’t want to take a risk.”
It looks like he will be fit for Sunday's crunch Premier League clash against Liverpool, who have struggled in the opening weeks of the season.
Who will come out on top?
Let us know.
Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Champions League, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden
Jack Kenmare