Pep Guardiola decided not to use Erling Haaland in Manchester City's goalless draw with FC Copenhagen as he was tired following the win against Southampton at the weekend.
The City boss revealed that the Norwegian striker hadn't recovered well after the 4-0 win at the Etihad on Saturday, when he took his season tally to 20 goals in 13 games. He was on the bench for the first time in his City career against Copenhagen and he wasn't called on despite the Blues' lack of threat in Denmark
After Sergio Gomez was sent off on 30 minutes City looked happy to settle for a point. And despite the temptation, Guardiola kept Haaland protected ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool.
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"He finished the game against Southampton so, so tired and didn’t recover well. Yesterday was not good, today a little better but not perfect so we decide not to take the risk," Guardiola said of Haaland.
"I thought about [energy levels] but many players didn’t start because they are exhausted. Phil [Foden] has problems. Bernardo told us he was so tired. We played the players who feel better."
City now have a few days to prepare for the trip to Anfield this weekend as they focus switches again.
"We have four days. We travel right now. Tomorrow we will regenerate. We have two days to prepare against Liverpool," said Guardiola.
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