Manchester City news: Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has accused Manchester City star Erling Haaland of becoming a “burden” in the dressing room.
Erling Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund when the Citizens paid his £51m release clause earlier this season. Questions soon began to arise as to whether he will be able to replicate his Dortmund numbers in the Premier League or fit into City’s system.
However, the Norwegian goalscoring machine quickly established itself and soon became Manchester City’s talisman up front. He looked like he had been playing for City for so long, even though he joined at the start of the window.
In his first eight games for City, Haaland has already scored 12 goals, including two hattricks in the Premier League. His impact has been such that Pep Guardiola, who has often been accused of not using a traditional striker, has had to rely heavily on Haaland’s finishing.
Manchester City News: Dortmund CEO accuses Haaland
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl believes Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland became a “burden” for the dressing room before his big move to Manchester City.
While speaking about this, Kehl told German media house Sport Bild: “In the end, Haaland’s problem became a burden in the dressing room.”
After his meteoric rise with RB Salzburg, Haaland joined Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the winter 2020 transfer window.
Upon joining Dortmund, Haaland showed off his excellent finish and competed with Robert Lewandowski for the golden boot title. In his first full season with the club, the striker won the Bundesliga Player of the Season and the Champions League Golden Boot.
Overall, Haaland had a staggering 88 goals in just 86 appearances for the German club. However, with his growing fame, Haaland decided to leave Dortmund and join another club.
At that time, all the big clubs were interested in the Norwegian goalscoring machine. Haaland’s transfer saga was very long. Finally it was Manchester City who managed to wind up the striker.
Meanwhile, Dortmund were very impatient and, according to Kehl, it was affecting their dressing room.
“It had become the topic of all conversations. Outside the club, almost everything was focused exclusively on him. In the end, the timing of the transfer was right for both parties. And we are all happy for Erling that he continues to be so successful,” Kehl said.
Kehl also recognized Haaland’s quality and accepted that he has the ability to make a difference.
Guardiola, happy with his striker
Meanwhile, Haaland’s new manager Pep Guardiola is a very happy person right now.
Since Sergio Agüero’s departure, he has never had the opportunity to work with a real striker at City. While he praises Agüero, he believes that no one can take the Argentine’s place. However, he also cited that Haaland has the quality to match Aguero.
With Haaland in his prime, City had a very good start to the season. The Citizens are now second in the table with fourteen points from six games.
