Erling Haaland's comments speak volumes as Man City prepare for life after Pep Guardiola

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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland made clear earlier this season that Pep Guardiola was neither the reason he joined the club nor why he put pen to paper on a lengthy contract extension. Haaland signed a lucrative new deal in January 2025, tying him to the club until 2034, but manager Guardiola has called time on his own spell in charge less than 18 months later.

Guardiola's last new deal saw him agree terms until 2027 but the Catalan has elected to depart a year ahead of schedule. This weekend's clash against Aston Villa set to be the former Bayern Munich boss' final match in charge and some have now asked questions about whether Haaland might also seek a new challenge after four years in Manchester.

Barcelona have been strongly linked, with Robert Lewandowski's summer departure leaving room for a new No.9. Guardiola's presence in Manchester was never truly the deciding factor in Haaland's long-term plans , though, so any departure is unlikely to hinge on the manager's exit alone.

During an appearance on The Rest is Football in December, the Norwegian star spoke openly about the guidance he received from his father Alf-Inge regarding his career path. He explained Guardiola was not the decisive influence behind his decision to choose City when the moment came to leave Borussia Dortmund , though he readily acknowledges the profound impact the Catalan manager has had during his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

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The striker was also questioned by presenter Gary Lineker about whether he'd held discussions with Guardiola prior to putting pen to paper on that long-term contract. "He signed a new contract - was it before or after me, I'm not sure - but I knew he was staying for another year or another year and a half," he said.

"But most of the conversations were with [Guardiola's] bosses and my boss as well. I remember my father said... 10 years ago, 'Never go to a club because of the manager', which sometimes can be difficult but also you never know what's going to happen in the modern world ."

Haaland acknowledged the opportunity to link up with Guardiola remained on his mind before he moved to City, though a number of considerations were made: "[It allowed me] to work with him and to be able to experience him and his special ways and his hard work in all of these things," he continued.

When questioned about what Guardiola is like as a manager, meanwhile, he highlighted the Catalan's relentless efforts to improve.

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"For me, people speak about 'genius', all these kind of things. I think he is kind of a genius but for me, the thing that surprised me - not only surprise - is his hard work.

"He works harder than everyone, he's the hardest-working in the club, he's the first one to come and the last one to leave. And I think that also is what's taken him so far, his hard work.

"Every single day it's dedication, it's motivation, and also his intense way of seeing football and working with football. Those are the main things but for me, the hard work he puts in every single day."

City officially confirmed Guardiola's departure on Friday, also announcing that he would take on a new role as global ambassador for City Football Group. The news came just days after a draw at Bournemouth officially ended their chances of winning this season's Premier League title.

"As we celebrate the past, we are also very happy to know that Pep will stay with the Group and we will be able use his knowledge and experience in so many of our other clubs to help managers and players," CEO Ferran Soriano said when the news was confirmed. "We will forever be grateful to Pep and cherish so many unforgettable memories. He is a City legend... forever."