Pep Guardiola reveals what Erling Haaland will do during the World Cup

Pep Guardiola has revealed what Erling Haaland will do during the 2022 World Cup as the Manchester City star won't be in Qatar.

Norway missed out on a spot at the upcoming World Cup after failing to qualify from Group G, finishing behind the Netherlands and Turkey.

That means Haaland, who has scored a staggering 19 goals in all competitions this season, will have a winter break as some of the powerhouse nations compete at the World Cup.

The 22-year-old will be able to recharge physically and mentally upon the resumption of the season.

And Guardiola has revealed that his star forward will go on holiday during the World Cup before rejoining the team.

Asked what he'll do with Haaland this winter, the Man City boss replied: "One or two weeks' holidays and afterward we start again with the players who are here."

Haaland continued his blistering goal-scoring run by bagging a brace against Copenhagen.

And Guardiola praised his main man's 'instinct' in the box amid his remarkable form.

The Spaniard added: "He has incredible instinct, an incredible sense as a striker, he goes one second before the ball arrives.

"These types of players, how can a manager teach him - it is impossible. He is a natural.

"The connection with Kevin [De Bruyne], Phil [Foden], Riyad [Mahrez], Jack [Grealish]. Erling, when he has the ball, he knows what passes I like. He can improve every part of his game. Everyone knows he can do better.

"After the Community Shield, people had a lot of doubts. But let's just look at tomorrow and he needs to focus on that. Then at the end of the season, he can look at the goals [he has scored]."

On comparisons between Haaland and Lionel Messi, he said: "Nothing is comparable with Leo Messi.

"How many new Messi's is there, 10 or 15 - but they all fail."

Haaland, who has 14 Premier League goals to his name this season, will be looking to add to his impressive tally when his side face Southampton on Saturday.

Featured Image Credit: Football Daily/Alamy

Topics: Erling Haaland, Football, Manchester City, FIFA Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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