Is Erling Haaland Set for a Man City Comeback Ahead of Southampton Clash?
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Synopsis
Will Erling Haaland make a triumphant return to Manchester City against Southampton? Pep Guardiola has confirmed the star striker is fit again, just in time for a crucial match that could secure Champions League qualification. Find out how this game could impact both City and Southampton in our detailed analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Erling Haaland is set to return to action.
- Manchester City aims for a Champions League qualification.
- Southampton has already been relegated to the Championship.
- Xabi Alonso is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen after a historic season.
- Guardiola praises Alonso's impressive impact on Leverkusen.
Manchester, May 9 (NationPress) Pep Guardiola has indicated that Erling Haaland could be back in the lineup for the match against Southampton this Saturday. As Manchester City heads to St Mary's Stadium, they face a Southampton side already relegated to the Championship for the upcoming season.
A win at Southampton would position City favorably for a spot in the Champions League, with only two league matches left to play.
After suffering an ankle injury, Haaland has not played since the FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Bournemouth at the end of March, but Guardiola has confirmed that the Norwegian forward is back in contention. “He’s ready. He’s fit. Start? We decide tomorrow,” Guardiola stated in his press conference on Friday.
Guardiola also addressed the status of long-term absentees Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri, clarifying they will not be available for this weekend's match. “Still not available. They’ve started training with us partially, but they’re still not available,” he added. The City manager also shared his thoughts on Xabi Alonso.
Alonso has announced his departure from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, marking the end of a remarkable tenure at the club. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who began his managerial journey in October 2022, is rumored to be heading to Real Madrid.
During Alonso's time at Leverkusen, the team reached significant milestones, including their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season, finishing without a single loss—an unprecedented achievement in German football.
Guardiola praised Alonso’s influence, describing it as unbelievable. “His impact on Leverkusen has been unbelievable. I think all the managers who had the opportunity and the pleasure to have him as a player always realized that he would be a manager,” Guardiola remarked.
“Competing in Germany against Bayern Munich is always a challenge. Last season, they were unbeaten except for their final match against Atalanta in the Europa League final. The way they played and how he developed the players—Leverkusen should be very proud of their partnership over the last three years,” Guardiola concluded.
Point of View
It's clear that the return of Erling Haaland is a significant development for Manchester City. Guardiola's confidence in Haaland's fitness is indicative of City's ambitions for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Southampton's relegation adds a layer of complexity to the match, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.
NationPress
20/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erling Haaland playing this weekend?
Yes, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and available for selection against Southampton.
What is the significance of the match against Southampton?
A win for Manchester City against Southampton is crucial for their Champions League qualification as they have only two league games remaining.
What happened to Xabi Alonso?
Xabi Alonso has announced his departure from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, concluding a successful tenure where he led the team to their first Bundesliga title without a loss.
