Norway striker, Erling Braut Haaland, has penned his tribute to departing manager, Pep Guardiola, saying, the Spaniard “never stopped teaching”.
Days ago, Guardiola announced he will leave Manchester City after ten (10) years at the Club, where he clinched many trophies.
The former FC Barcelona manager lost his final game as Cityzens head coach on the final Premier League 2025/26 day. City lost to Aston Villa 2-1 right on home turf on Sunday.
The Norway international has spent the last four [4] years playing under Guardiola. It makes him [Guardiola] the manager Haaland has played under the longest in his career, as well as, the one who brought him [Haaland] the most success.
Taking to X to pen his tribute, Haaland wrote: “It sounds crazy but you made greatness feel normal”. The forward put pen to paper in 2022 for Manchester City after several years with German Bundesliga Club, Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland said, despite scoring many goals, including hat-tricks, “there was always another lesson” from Guardiola, adding, that mentality metamorphosed him.
On his debut for the Cityzens, Haaland netted twice; and finished his spell under Guardiola’s guidance with 162 goals. In his first year, he was pivotal in the Blues winning a treble, breaking the Premier League record for goals scored in one (1) season.
Haaland wrote: “A coach who never stopped teaching. It sounds crazy to say this, but you made greatness feel normal.
“Even after hat-tricks, wins and trophies, there was always another lesson, another challenge and another level to reach. That mentality changed this club forever and changed me too.
“The honour of a lifetime to work with the best. Thank you for everything, boss.”
Earlier in the 2025/26 season, Guardiola claimed, “Erling is the best striker in the world.” Across the course of his managerial career, the former coach of Bayern Munich managed the likes of Samuel Eto’o, David Villa, Sergio Aguero and Robert Lewandowski.
The connection between Haaland and Guardiola came to an end with both winning a domestic double – EFL Cup 2025/26 and FA Cup 2025/26; Haaland has won the Premier League twice and clinched his third Golden Boot within four [4] years.
Photo: Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland
