MANCHESTER – Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland’s stunning goal in the 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League reminds him of Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.
The Norwegian striker jumped high at the far post to convert Joao Cancelo’s cross from the left with his left foot into the goal.
Former Barcelona coach Guardiola told reporters: “What a goal, I remember a long time ago that Johan Cruyff scored a similar goal against Atletico Madrid. It’s great that Erling did the same as Johan Cruyff.”
City came from behind to win in the last ten minutes against his stubborn German counterpart, and Guardiola was pleased with his team’s reaction.
He added, referring to the humble first half of City before the situation changed after three changes in the 58th minute, “We got used to it recently, I don’t like it, we played badly, without fierceness and we were humble. With the participation of Phil (Foden), Bernardo (Silva) and Julian (Alvarez). Our pace changed and we scored two great goals.”
The equalizer came with a powerful shot from defender John Stones.
Guardiola said: “I’m sure that given what we did in the first half, Stones didn’t have the courage to shoot, but we got our rhythm and momentum back and said we’ll be back. It was exceptional. I’m really happy.”
“(Dortmund) is an exceptional team. We knew it. We weren’t good enough. But at the same time it’s good to have this flexibility and the desire to compensate. It paid off with Julian and Erling in the penalty area.”