Man City boss Pep Guardiola insists he "understands" after heated words with two-goal Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola has cleared up why he exchanged heated words with Erling Haaland during Manchester City’s win at Burnley on Friday night. 

The City boss gesticulated towards Haaland as the players went down the tunnel at the end of the first half of the 3-0 win. 

Guardiola even ushered a TV camera away as it tried to get within earshot of what looked to be a heated conversation. But after his star striker scored two in the relatively routine win at Turf Moor, Guardiola was quick to say he understood why his No.9 had been unhappy with team-mate Bernardo Silva shortly before the break. 

“Erling wanted the ball immediately and Bernado decided not to give it him because there was one minute left,” Guardiola said. 

“Two minutes before there was a long ball to Mateo Kovacic and we lost it and another for Julian (Alvarez) and we lost it. They make a transition and we have to defend deeper. 

“With one minute left you have to get to the second half. I understand Erling because he wants the ball one-against-one to score more goals but in that minute Bernado took the right decision.”

Guardiola was largely happy with his side’s display overall, apart from a spell in the first half where the hosts got their tails up, roared on by a passionate crowd. 

“We were fortunate to break the game early with a goal from Erling. But after we created problems for ourselves with some of our passing,” he said. “But there was a moment after about 30 or 35 minutes and we attacked with the full-backs and made a lot of passes and that was the key. 

“The first game away against a newly-promoted team and the passion and love they have for being back in the Premier League it’s always really tricky and apart from 10 or 15 minutes where we gave away balls in difficult positions, the team showed a heart and passion and still want to do it.”