As the first interviews go, Erling Haaland passed almost all the tests in his first actions as a Manchester City player.
He said all the right things, found the right balance between flattery, ambition and staying grounded, and gave City fans enough to really believe he wants to be at the Etihad. These presentations are as much an advertising exercise as anything else, and are the first opportunity for a player to persuade fans who are willing to buy his club.
So Haaland relied on his past ties with City, given the time his father played for the club when he was born, but he did not exaggerate them. When he said, “I’ve been a City fan all my life,” it wasn’t just the usual banalities of a player trying to win the favor of his new fans. And City must take advantage.
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Haaland talked about attending matches on Maine Road, but he didn’t necessarily remember much of them, but he was bright about his memories at the Etihad and said he watched City as a fan whenever he could. He spoke with father Alf-Inge about the details of playing for City, although he admitted that the club has changed completely in the 20 years since he was captain.
Of course, Haaland may be exaggerating his support, but images of himself at various stages of his childhood support his comments. City has always been a part of his life, and is now his club for the next five years. And Haaland’s knowledge of City’s journey at this time can help him get started.
Because City fans have had a different journey to other fans. They have seen the club go down, third and back. They have a unique sense of humor and face the usual mockery that the current wealth of the club is the only reason they show up on a day trip.
Haaland will face similar charges, so his knowledge of the club and his fans can establish a positive relationship from the start. It will be supported on the terraces whenever you do the work. In return, he will probably score a lot of goals.
When Haaland talked about enjoying football and being happy as the key to playing to the fullest, City can expect his fans to help protect him from any outside pressure. Unlike other big signings that have arrived, he won’t have to prove himself too much to the Blues ’faithful, so he can try to get started quickly.
In addition to accepting Pep Guardiola’s rigorous demands, players often have to get into our approach against the world in the stands before they can really thrive at City. Haaland has shown that he gets the second half, and it shouldn’t take long to dominate the first half.
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