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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has fired back at Roy Keane's recent criticism of Erling Haaland, asserting that the Norwegian striker is "the best striker in the world."
The Gunners secured a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium in a mouth-watering title challenge clash, with Haaland failing to impress.
Keane, a former Manchester United legend, had likened Haaland's movement to that of a "League Two player" following Sunday's goalless draw against Arsenal.
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Guardiola slams Keane
Guardiola vehemently disagreed with Keane's assessment of Haaland after their draw against Arsenal on Sunday.
In response to Keane's remarks and the broader trend of former players criticizing current stars, Guardiola said, as reported by the Sun, "I do not agree with him. It’s like if I said he’s a manager for the second or third league.
“I don’t think so. So Erling is the best striker in the world and he helped us win what we did last season."
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Guardiola expressed surprise and disappointment. "I am surprised when it comes from former players," Guardiola said.
"It’s like referees when they retire, they always criticise the refs. That always surprises me. The memory disappears quick. The problems players have now, they had too."
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Guardiola emphasized that he doesn't foresee himself becoming a pundit after retiring from management, highlighting the unfairness of ex-players dishing out criticism.
"I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but I am not a guy who is going to criticise my colleagues when I retire," he affirmed.
He added that today's highly-paid footballers must learn to accept criticism as part of their job. "It’s their job, accept it," Guardiola remarked. "If you can’t accept it as a footballer you have to dedicate to another job, like read books or..."
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Guardiola Praises Haaland's Performance
Despite Keane's criticism and others questioning Haaland's display against Arsenal, Guardiola defended the striker's performance.
"We played an exceptional game against Arsenal," Guardiola stated. "The reason we didn’t create many chances was not down to Erling. He is exceptional."
Haaland, who scored 52 goals in his debut season in England and has 29 this term despite missing two months with injury, is set to feature in tonight's crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa. Guardiola's backing of Haaland signals a strong belief in the striker's abilities and a dismissal of recent criticism.
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