Pep Guardiola has put Erling Haaland's improved fitness at Manchester City down to the work he has undertaken with the priceless physio department.
City sent a physio, Mario Pafundi, with the Norwegian national team in the recent international window so that he could monitor Haaland and make sure that he continues to work as well as he can and look after his body. That was a continuation of the care that the striker has had since his summer move from Dortmund after arriving in pre-season with problems that have plagued him over the previous year.
Guardiola has made it clear that Haaland will not play every game - and with Julian Alvarez there is a handy alternative to come in - yet so far the 22-year-old has been able to start all of City's matches and also was fully involved with Norway over the past fortnight. City's manager praised the work of all of the physios at the Etihad for making sure that Haaland has had the best possible attention.
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"I’ve always said to the club that the most important department in the backroom staff is the physios. They take care of the legs," said Guardiola.
"Erling struggled a lot in Dortmund last year with injuries and arrived here with small problems after surgery in the summer. He started to work with Mario and other guys and thanks to them – and his work ethic - he can play regularly now.
"Last season it was not possible. Thank you to Erling and the treatment from the guys. The clubs earn a lot of money when the players can play and most of the time it’s thanks to the physios."
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