Pep Guardiola’s mid-game masterclass as he’s seen discussing tactics with Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola was seen having an animated conversation with Erling Haaland during Manchester City’s clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday before the striker fired his side into the Champions League semi-finals.

After taking a 3-0 lead into the second leg, City were severely tested in the first half as Bayern pushed to get back into the tie, and Guardiola did not appear to be happy with what he was seeing from his players.

The Spanish coach took the opportunity to speak to Bernardo Silva during a break in play, and then turned his attention to Haaland.

Grabbing the Norwegian forward by the arms, Guardiola was seen gesticulating wildly at Haaland by the touchline.

Haaland did not seem to be talking back to his manager as he listened to Guardiola’s message after a nervy start by the visitors to the second leg.

Pep Guardiola grabbed Erling Haaland by the arms to speak to him mid-game on Wednesday

He was seen gesticulating wildly after appearing to be unhappy with City’s start to the game

Haaland seemed to be listening intently rather than talking back to his manager

Whatever Guardiola said, it appeared to work wonders as Haaland went on to dominate Bayern’s defence for the rest of the game.

His first major involvement looked to be a decisive one when he charged through on goal and was brought down by Dayot Upamecano.

Upamecano was sent off for his last-man challenge, but the red card was quickly rescinded after the linesman belatedly put his flag up for offside.

That was a let-off for Bayern, and Haaland gave them another lifeline when he missed a penalty later in the first half, skying his effort over the bar.

He squandered another glorious chance at the start of the second half after being put through by Jack Grealish, but he eventually got on the scoresheet just moments later.

Guardiola’s message did the trick as Haaland went on to score in the second half

After collecting Kevin De Bruyne’s pass, Haaland wrong-footed Upamecano who fell to the floor and tucked the ball into the corner of the net for his 48th goal of the season.

As he closes in on a half-century of goals in his first campaign in England, Haaland proved he was human on Wednesday by missing a number of chances, and Guardiola’s animated pep talk highlights how he still wants more from his star striker.

Guardiola is known for being one of the most demanding coaches in world football, and previously lectured Raheem Sterling just minutes after the winger had scored twice in City’s 6-0 demolition of Watford in the 2019 FA Cup final. 

Haaland’s debut season at City could not have gone much better, but Guardiola seems intent on pushing him to find his very best form right at the business end of the campaign as his team continue their pursuit of a historic Treble.