Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne failed to mask his frustration with Erling Haaland with the two experiencing a few early teething problems.
The pair were both selected to start for the reigning Premier League champions on Saturday during their Community Shield showdown with Liverpool. Whilst it is a tantalising prospect to see the duo link up at the Etihad Stadium throughout the campaign, it appears that they are not quite yet on the same wavelength.
As reported by ESPN, the Belgian playmaker displayed his frustrations with his new teammate after he expected him to make a run in-behind the Reds’ defence but instead the former Borussia Dortmund star stayed stationary.
De Bruyne was furious with the decision as he threw his arms up in the air in exasperation. The pair are then reported to have had a private conversation on the pitch as they attempted to come to more of an understanding before the midfielder was withdrawn from the action midway through the second period.
Supporters will certainly hope that the pair can strike up more of a relationship throughout the campaign. Haaland signed for Man City from Dortmund in a £51m deal and was anticipated to add to his stunning goalscoring record that he put together in Germany.
De Bruyne has already been highly complimentary of the striker’s abilities having suggested that he could assist the team and potentially improve his own creative numbers.
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Speaking to HLN in Belgium shortly after Haaland’s arrival was confirmed, he said: "Erling Haaland is a top striker. His move should help us to grow as a team. Everybody expects a lot.
“They've always been looking for a No.9, but I think it'll be good to have that striker that maybe scores 20-25 goals a season."
He continued: "Maybe (his arrival might help me too). There have been years that I have had more assists (than this season).
"But my chance creation and other things have remained consistent. Numbers are a part of football but they never tell you the full story."
Whilst Haaland’s movement left De Bruyne slightly frustrated, the Norwegian did manage to find the net during pre-season with a strike against German giants Bayern Munich. In the meantime, the Belgian playmaker looks to also be going into the new campaign in good form with two goals against Mexican outfit Club America.
The duo will hope to make a positive start to the new Premier League campaign with Man City set to open the defence of their title against West Ham United next Sunday.
