Roy Keane has renewed the media attack between him and Erling Haaland as he called the Norwegian striker a ‘Spoiled Brat’ over his reaction when he was subbed off against Wolverhampton on Saturday.
Haaland had one of the best performances against the Gary O’Neill’s side, scoring three goals within the first 45 minutes. He added the fourth goal a few minutes after the second half began and was making efforts to score the fifth when Pep Guardiola decided to take him off.
The decision appeared to incite anger in the striker, prompting Roy Keane to criticize the Manchester City forward, accusing him of acting like a spoiled brat.
“I think we saw Haland yesterday brought off not too happy, behaving like a spoiled brat,” Keane said via Mail Sport
“I think when you have the spat as well with the manager and obviously your Star Man, it doesn’t help that results aren’t going your way. But because they win the game, he scores goals it’s almost forgotten about.”
The ex-Manchester United player had publicly criticised Haaland’s playing style in the past, labeling him as a player more suited for League Two whenever he failed to score. This criticism was as a result of the striker’s perceived lack of impact in games where he did not find the back of the net.
“The levels of his general play is so poor, and not just today, I think his general laying stuff off, headers, or whatever it might be in terms of front of goal is best in the world.
“But for his general play for such a player, it is so poor, not just today, I think he has to improve that he’s almost like a League Two player,” he previously said.
Haaland And Pep Guardiola Respond To Keane’s Criticisms
Contrary to Roy Keane’s opinion, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola described Erling Haaland as the best striker in the world. The City boss insisted winning the UEFA Champions League and other two domestic trophies to complete the treble might be impossible without the Norwegian striker.
The former Borussia Dortmund forward had a record-breaking first season in England. His 52 goals and 9 assists contributed to the success of the Sky Blues.
“I don’t agree with him, absolutely not,” Guardiola said of Keane’s comments. “He’s the best striker in the world.”
“He helped us win last season and the reason why we didn’t create many answers from Erling is we need more presence in the final third with more people,” the Man City boss added.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland said he doesn’t care about Roy Keane and his criticism. The striker said this while answering questions after he scored four goals against Wolves.
“I don’t really care that much about that man, so that’s all right,” he said.