Guardiola explains holding back Haaland as Man City defeated by Bayer Leverkusen

City were beaten 2-0 at home by Bayer, with Haaland not getting onto the pitch until the second-half.

Guardiola explained afterwards: “Erling was in (World Cup) qualification for Norway and it was so demanding against Newcastle.

“I see Omar (Marmoush) close to the box, and we have attacking midfielders there central to the way we play.

“Erling cannot sustain every 95 minutes in teams that make incredible build-up, they break the lines and we need fresh legs.

“Erling played for example for Norway 90 minutes and 90 minutes and after they take the (World Cup) celebration.

“And after (that) Newcastle and not much recovery, just three days. I prefer quality time.”