Pep Guardiola has suggested that Lisandro Martinez’s height won’t be a disadvantage when he comes up against Erling Haaland
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has claimed that Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez’s height wouldn’t prevent him from giving Erling Haaland a tough time on Sunday.
Man United will play visitors to their city rivals, Man City this weekend in the Premier League and a lot is expected from both Manchester clubs.
It may be the first Manchester derby in the top-flight this season, but many fans are in anticipation of how Martinez would stop goal scoring forward Erling Haaland at the Etihad.
Martinez came up against the Norwegian striker twice during their times at their respective clubs and the Argentine international came out on top in both games, helping Ajax beat Dortmund 4-0 in the Champions League.
The Manchester United defender’s height has attracted questions, with several pundits claiming he wouldn’t thrive in the Premier League as a centre-back with a height of 1.7m.
Haaland has scored 11 goals in 7 league matches but Guardiola expects Martinez to try and stop him from adding to his tally, thanks to his aggressive style of play.
Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, Pep told MEN: “I like when people underestimate players for size. He can tell them, ‘I’m here and a good player’. He’s a fantastic player, aggressive, good build-up. Manchester United paid this money, Erik [ten Hag] knows him.
“It’s not the first time he’s played against taller strikers, he handles it. Important is to be intelligent, brave. The crosses, Erling [Haaland] is taller, we see what happens…”
Manchester City occupy the 2nd position with 17 points from seven games, while Manchester United occupy the 5th spot with 12 points from six matches.