Pep Guardiola insists fit-again Erling Haaland IS happy at Manchester City – after claims in Spain the Norwegian was struggling in the North West

Pep Guardiola has rubbished suggestions that Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester City.

The 23-year-old made his return from two months out with a foot injury in midweek and has again been linked with a switch to Real Madrid.

Press in Spain claimed that Haaland is struggling in the North West but Guardiola insisted the player’s attitude has given no reason to worry about his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.

‘You have to ask the media from Madrid – maybe they have more info than we have,’ Guardiola said.

‘We don’t have that feeling. He could not play for two months because he was injured but maybe the media from Spain, and especially Madrid, have more information than us.

The Norwegian broke numerous records last season and has been absent with a foot injury

‘We cannot say he didn’t adapt quickly and he was not fine since he arrived. It’s the level he showed since he arrived on day one. We cannot control what people say. When he’s unhappy, he will take his decision.’

Haaland’s 19-minute comeback during Wednesday’s 3-1 victory provided a major boost to City’s latest title bid.

Despite the Norwegian breaking goalscoring records during his debut season, Guardiola needed time to fully integrate the No 9 into City’s style of play. He now believes discussions surrounding the striker’s suitability to the team are moot.

‘The last game against Burnley, every transition, every pass all the players looked at him,’ Guardiola added. ‘I know how important he is for us.

‘We try to keep our strikers happy and especially him. It will depend on how we play. If we are comfortable and good he will get a lot of balls and after that he will do the rest.’

Meanwhile, the 53-year-old warned his defenders about the threat of Ivan Toney ahead of Monday’s trip to Brentford. 

Toney struck twice when the Bees won at City last season and is set for his third appearance since a lengthy ban for breaking betting rules.

Guardiola was quick to praise Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of their Premier League clash

‘He’s an exceptional player, not just with goals but linkup play and set pieces,’ Guardiola said.

 ‘They can link with him and he is an extraordinary player. Hopefully that [suspension] period is forgotten and exceptional players are always more than welcome in the Premier League.’