Pep Guardiola issues blunt response to Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane after Erling Haaland criticism

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola issued a blunt response to the criticism Erling Haaland has received in recent weeks.

The famously curmudgeon former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane made headlines when he described Erling Haaland as a “League Two player” when it comes to his contribution away from his goalscoring.

Meanwhile, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher is the latest high-profile pundit to have questioned Haaland’s abilities beyond finding the back of the net.

Carragher wrote on Friday in the Telegraph that the Norwegian was the “ultimate luxury footballer”, adding he cannot yet be a Ballon d'Or contender.

The Sky Sports pundit said: “He is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest goal-scorers, but is yet to become a world-class player."

And Guardiola has now bluntly responded to criticism of Haaland, highlighting his vital role in City's five trophies haul over the past year.

In response to Carragher and co, the Spaniard said: "They can do whatever they want."

The primary accusation that has been levelled at Haaland after another blank against Real Madrid in the week is that he fails to impact the game.

However, Guardiola noted that the 23-year-old was being marked incredibly closely by Real’s centre-backs.

“We had two central defenders close to him, really close to him, it’s not easy. The most difficult position on the pitch is a striker," he said. "Every player has one player [marking them]. You have two against one with the striker. He has two players and they were so tight and really good defenders. It is the most difficult position.

Haaland was marked incredibly closely by Real centre-backs (Getty)

“The target is not to win the Ballon d’Or. The target is to win the Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues, FA Cups and Carabao Cups. And he did it. Without him, it would not be possible. What we won in 2023 five titles without him it’s impossible. No chance. He’s a key player for us.

"They [pundits] have to understand they have an opinion, I have an opinion. We have an opinion. Doesn't matter if it's right or wrong. If I give an opinion it looks like I want to criticise the pundits. I don’t criticise the pundits. They do their job, I do my job. We don't have to agree. I give my opinion, we can agree or disagree. It’s as simple as that."