Erling Haaland says he doesn’t really care about Roy Keane’s criticism of him after scoring four goals in Manchester City’s win over Wolves on Saturday.
Former Manchester United midfielder Keane was critical of Haaland’s performance in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal back in March describing his link-up play as “like a League Two player”.
“The levels of his general play is so poor, and not just today,” Keane said on Sky Sports. “His general play for such a player, it is so poor, I think he has to improve that, he’s almost like a League Two player.”
Haaland had not scored in five matches in all competitions at the time with City’s title chances out of their own hands with Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of them in the table.
Pep Guardiola’s side have gone on to win the six league matches since with Haaland scoring seven times in the four appearances he has made in that span.
He scored a 25th Premier League goal of the season in a 5-1 win over Wolves at Etihad Stadium which moved City back within a point of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.
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Asked afterwards about the discussion around him and in particular Keane’s comments, Haaland said: “I don’t really care that much about that man, so that’s all right.”
City are three wins from a fourth consecutive title, a feat never achieved in the Premier League era.
Haaland believes the squad’s experience of such high-pressure moments can only be an advantage down the stretch.
“I try to do what I’m best at, scoring goals,” he added to Viaplay. “I’m playing for a fantastic team, just look at the players around me. It wouldn’t be possible without them.
“The team is more fired up the more important the games are. The boys have been through this many years, the club also. I’ve got experience from last year, it’s about focusing on game by game.”
City return to action against Fulham next Saturday.
(Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
