2024-02-28 00:17:59
Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne are perfect for each other following their standout roles in the 6-2 win over Luton Town.
Match report
Haaland’s five leads City to the FA Cup quarter-finals
Haaland scored a club-record five goals in an FA Cup tie, with the first four all coming from De Bruyne passes, as we qualified for the sixth round for the seventh time in eight attempts under Guardiola.
The duo have now combined for 16 assists and a goal, but Guardiola also pointed to their teammates’ ability to stretch Luton’s ranks and create opportunities for the duo in Manchester City’s ranks.
“I think Erling needs someone with vision, quality and generosity,” Guardiola said. “Kevin is a less greedy player in front of goal, and if he can help him score another goal, he will do it.”
He added: “Kevin needs a move from Erling, but of course we know how aggressive they are.”
He continued: “Stefan Ortega was amazing with long passes – not only to Erling – but also to the players between the lines.”
He continued: “We try as much as possible for each player to receive three or four touches and we can pass the ball additionally and move the structure that they have in place and they did that really well.”
The result and performance were the perfect confidence boost ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, although Guardiola said it would not be a similar game once morest United.
Pep confirmed: “It’s a completely different game – when there are turnovers like that and you can run meters away from them it is difficult to control, but they have the courage to do it.”
He revealed: “What do I say? “The passing was good, the goals were good and we had two or three more chances to score more goals, the players played really well.”
Haaland, who also scored five goals once morest Leipzig, was substituted 13 minutes from time, and the City boss said it was more important to stay fresh for the weekend rather than try to score more goals.
Pep said: “It will be a completely different match once morest United as they defend in a different way and have experienced players.”
Finally, Guardiola said: “Two days of rest now to renew our minds and legs and prepare for the match.”
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