Erling Haaland sends ‘sharp’ message to Man City teammate Gvardiol
Man City defender Josko Gvardiol has taken to social media to provide an update ahead of the start of his side’s Club World Cup campaign, with Erling Haaland quickly responding.
The 2024/25 season proved to be a difficult one for Pep Guardiola‘s side by their high standrads, with the club failing to win a major trophy.
An injury to Haaland late in the campaign did not help the cause of Man City, although the Norwegian is now back in action for his club and country.
As a result, the striker will be looking to quickly put his side back on track, with the Citizens getting an early opportunity to get back to trophy-winning ways this summer.
Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland preview Club World Cup
On Wednesday (18 June), the Premier League club will play their first match in the newly expanded Club World Cup in America, as they take on Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca.
Some pundits have previously suggested that Man City manager Guardiola would not have wanted his side in the Club World Cup had that been possible.
Even so, it does give them the chance to win a trophy at the end of a difficult period, and it seems some of their squad are relishing the chance to do that.
Taking to Instagram to provide an update from the club’s base, Gvardiol posted a series of pictures, including some from the training ground, along with the caption: “Working and enjoying Florida!”
In response, Haaland was quick to back his Man City teammate, with the striker commenting on that post by writing: “Joskovic looking sharp”, along with several flame emojis.
Man City will want to come through tournament unscathed
Football Insider Verdict
After Man City suffered the disappointment of defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final late last month, this competition gives them a chance to quickly put that behind them.
However, it is worth noting that the final of this competition comes on the 13 June, little more than a month before the start of the Premier League campaign.
So if Guardiola’s side do go all the way, they will not have much time to rest and recover before they have to go again in a busy season where they will look to win more high-profile trophies than this.
With that in mind, it would be no surprise if Man City do rotate their key men such as Haaland throughout the course of this tournament.
That will allow them to protect those assets, and give them a better chance of being fresh for what will be a vital 2025/26 campaign as they attempt to right the wrongs of this season.