Pep Guardiola Hails Haaland and Donnarumma as Outstanding After Triumph Over Brentford FC
Pep Guardiola expressed gratitude that his squad has Erling Haaland scoring and the Italian goalkeeper stopping them, following a victory at Brentford that came at the cost of another fitness issue for the midfielder.
The Striker's Stunning Performance
"We possess an extraordinary striker and goalkeeper," remarked Guardiola, with the forward's early strike turning out to be the winning factor. Haaland's current form are approaching the standards of City's treble-winning campaign, as the No 9 has scored in 9 consecutive matches. "He is the best," added his boss. "During the season of the treble, he scored β what? β 50 million times? I think he's integrated now, he's comfortable. He feels now that it's mine."
Donnarumma's Vital Contribution
Regarding Donnarumma's important save from Igor Thiago, Guardiola stated: "This guy began to perform at the top level at 17. After I learned he's twenty-six it's like he's had decades of football. His calmness, his aura. Against teams who play good you face a single chance and he succeeded today. One against one."
The Manager's Milestone Accomplishment
Guardiola achieved the individual milestone of 250 English top-flight victories, overtaking Ferguson and Wenger in reaching that total in a record three hundred and forty-nine games. "I will treat them to a nice meal, maybe elsewhere, in a warmer place," he remarked of those legendary managers. "Alternatively in Manchester. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the league's history. I say thanks to the club and the squad and the backroom team I had. We achieved it faster and faster. Next let's go for another 250 matches."
The Midfielder's Injury Setback
On Rodri's hamstring issue, the most recent problem after a cruciate knee injury previously, Guardiola commented: "I would love to have him every three days but following a year it occurs constantly, it is very taxing. This is why we attempted to be gentle, play for 60-65 minutes but it cannot happen more."
Brentford's Response
Brentford's manager, expressed satisfaction that his side improved after the visitors' first-half dominance to pose a danger until the full-time whistle. "Our aim to do is bring a squad together, a club together, after so many changes," he said. "In my opinion it's developing. I believe you could see that in the second half showing today against elite rivals."