Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side don't play in a way that will complement summer signing Erling Haaland, according to Dietmar Hamann.
The Premier League champions have completed the signing of the highly sought-after Norwegian, who remains one of the hottest properties in world football. Haaland has cemented his reputation at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 86 times in 89 outings and is set to be a huge asset at the Etihad.
It will require a change in approach from City however, who have played without a striker for the best part of two years. Guardiola has employed a false nine system with Gabriel Jesus, the club's only recognised forward, often playing from a wide position. It means an alteration to the style is needed.
Hamann has expressed reservations having previously stated he didn't think Haaland would end up on the blue half of Manchester. The German told talkSPORT : “He [Guardiola] likes to play wide players or midfielders up top who like to link play – he’s good with his feet but he’s not as good as a Grealish, or a Foden, or a Sterling who have played up top.
“It’ll be interesting to see how they play because you’ve got to feed him, but I don’t think they’ll be able to play the way they used to play because the more direct you play, the more goals he’ll probably get you.
“It’s fascinating because last year I said I can see him going anywhere, but not Manchester City because he’s just not a player that Pep Guardiola wants up top. He’s got him now and maybe he thinks he’s got to change to win the biggest trophy in club football, the Champions League, but how they play remains to be seen.”
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City paid the 21-year-old's release clause and expect to fork out a total of £85.5m when agent fees, signing bonus and other costs are added on. Guardiola will also welcome highly-rated Argentine Julian Alvarez to the Etihad in the summer whilst Jesus' future is very much unclear.
The Catalan has hit back at suggestions Haaland will struggle, stating: "I hear that he's not going to adapt to the way we play. I would like to ask how is the way we play? I'm pretty sure they don't know it.
"Julian [Alvarez] is coming, we're going to help him to adapt well. I think the players when they are good and normally it happens in these type of clubs - they have good vibes and energy to stay positive to understand and to help. Our way to play is so simple."
