Pep Guardiola did not teach Erling Haaland how to score. He taught him how to become more than a goalscorer.
Thierry Henry asked Pep a brilliant question about how he had improved Haaland. Pep’s response was a masterclass in player development.
Haaland was already an elite goalscorer. Pep’s focus was on adding layers to his game, from his connections with teammates to his understanding of spaces and how he could make those around him better.
Then Pep referenced Eric Abidal. He remembered coaching Abidal at 27–29 and still seeing significant room for improvement in his build-up play.
This is one of the core of Pep’s philosophy. He does not look at a player and say, “This is what he is.”
He asks: “What can he become?”
The conversation is worth watching...
🚨🔵⚪️ BREAKING: Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City, here we go! Deal agreed club to club.
Fee to reach €100m package with add-ons, as @FabriceHawkins reports. Green light from Lille to the sale.
Bouaddi agreed terms with City in July and now set to join #MCFC project.