The situation
Guardiola is recognized for a multitude of tactical resources, but without a doubt within his work the change of position from Messi to false nine stands out. With that movement and the collection of subsequent titles he transcended in a symbolic way. In recent seasons at City, since Agüero’s injury slump, Guardiola also dispensed with a classic reference up front, which he now recovers with the figure of Haaland. The arrival of the Norwegian is a challenge in itself for the sky blue coach. Despite the Norwegian’s powerful debut in the friendly against Bayern, City lost the first title of the season against Liverpool and the official departure of the former Dortmund player was not encouraging at all. It is logical, given the height of the preseason, but the game leaves a background that forces Guardiola to intervene. Haaland was very fixed up front between Matip and Van Dijk against Liverpool, notoriously out of touch with City’s game. Guardiola’s team is characterized by fluid possession, with players interspersed between lines and significant positional dynamism.
The details
With Haaland, a resounding footballer wins in the area, with an incalculable goalscoring facility, but in some contexts such as in the Community he may yearn for more play between the lines. Haaland’s reference distances the defensive line and should allow City’s midfielders more freedom. However, against Liverpool there were many situations in which no one was outlined on the sides of Fabinho, unlike when the sky blue team acted with a false nine. Mahrez and Grealish had a double order. On the one hand, give amplitude; on the other, get inside. And they did it when they could, giving Walker and Cancelo space to gain height, something that later helped Haaland to have finishing options in the lateral center if the opportunity arose. Even so, City failed to repeat this mechanism. De Bruyne was very lonely in his appearances behind the Liverpool midfielders.The Belgian found an ally when Foden entered the pitch.