Erling Haaland has opened up on the heated scenes that occurred towards the end of Man City’s Champions League victory over Porto on Tuesday.
Haaland, who scored twice in the 2-0 win, was cautioned after tussling with Pablo Rosario late in the game and claims that the midfielder wanted to stop him by any means necessary.
‘I was really keen on a hat-trick and it seemed like he [Rosario] was very eager to stop me from getting it,’ Haaland told TV 2. ‘It was a little interesting, that. You’ll be seeing a picture where he’s grabbing my bottom… it’ll be interesting to see that picture.’
That was not the only flashpoint of the match, with both sets of players having to be dragged away from each other in the tunnel at half time.
City reserve goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is understood to have been pushed by Porto officials after the home team were incensed by refereeing decisions.
UEFA’s disciplinary committee are assessing reports by the match delegate and referee Szymon Marciniak to ascertain whether any action is necessary. The punishment for any guilty party is likely to amount to a fine.
Erling Haaland has opened up on his tussle with Pablo Rosario during Man City’s Champions League victory over Porto on Tuesday
Haaland scored twice during the 2-0 triumph, including a header shortly after half-time
Haaland also spoke about his recent flurry of headed goals and said they have come from perfecting the art with his father in the garden.
The City striker managed to score six headers last season but now has three in his last three matches – including the first of a brace in Porto.
Haaland pinpointed his aerial ability as something to improve after sealing a move to the Etihad Stadium in 2022 and believes it has now added another string to his bow.
And the dedication has extended to impromptu sessions with Alfie Haaland at home in Cheshire, seemingly recreating scenes of his childhood.
‘Over the years, I’ve worked a lot on my heading,’ Haaland said. ‘I’ve improved it massively and it’s become a strength of my game. I think a lot of it comes down to experience.’
Haaland has 37 career headed goals in club football, just over 10 per cent of his overall haul and added: ‘Actually, two days ago I was practising headers with my dad in the garden.’
