Erling Haaland scored a Premier League record 35th goal of the season as Manchester City returned to the top of the table
Erling Haaland

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed claims by Spanish media that Erling Haaland is unhappy at the club.

According to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, the Norway striker “can’t stand” the city and the poor weather and would be interested in a move to Real Madrid.

Haaland moved to Manchester City in 2022 and hit 36 Premier League goals in his first season as they won the title.

“You have to ask the media from Madrid if he is unhappy,” Guardiola said.

“Maybe they have more info than we have.

“We don’t have that feeling that he’s unhappy. He was because he could not play – he was two months out injured – but maybe the media from Spain, especially Madrid, have more information than us.

“We cannot control what people say but the important thing is he’s happy. When he’s unhappy, he will take his decision.”

Haaland returned to action on Wednesday after 10 games out with a foot injury as Manchester City beat Burnley 3-1 in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old could start as Guardiola’s side travel to Brentford on Monday.

“He played 25 minutes and every transition, every pass, all the players look at him. I know how important he is for us,” the Manchester City boss added.

“We try for all the strikers to be happy, especially him, and it will depend how we play. If we play quite comfortable and good, he will get a lot of balls.

“This is what we want and after that he will do the rest.”