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Pep Guardiola provides Erling Haaland update ahead of Man City v Brentford after death of close friend

Posted on by angelo
Pep Guardiola provides Erling Haaland update ahead of Man City v Brentford after death of close friend

Erling Haaland will make a late decision on whether he will play against Brentford this weekend following the death of a close family friend.

Ivar Eggja was best man at Alf-Inge Haaland’s father’s wedding and Erling affectionately called him ‘uncle’. Eggja, 59, developed a close personal relationship with the Manchester City striker and was a key part of his entourage.

“You are a legend, Ivar,” Haaland posted on social media this week, alongside a series of photos with Eggja. “Words can’t describe how much you meant to me! Words can’t describe how much we will miss you!”

“Thanks for everything, madman. We’ll see each other again. Rest in peace, Ivar.”

Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta also paid tribute.

“Ever since I met you, I thought you had the power to brighten up any room,” she said. “I didn’t know it was a superpower, and that you would overcome so much, so soon, so quickly, in a way that is the best example of strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism that family and friends can only dream of.”

“It was an honor to be part of your journey.”

Ivar Eggja and Erling Haaland in a photo posted by the striker on Instagram
Ivar Eggja and Erling Haaland in a photo posted by the striker on Instagram (Instagram/erling.haaland)

Haaland was pictured training with the squad as usual on Thursday. But ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, City manager Pep Guardiola said: “It was a difficult moment for him and his family. It was sad news… Our thoughts are with him and his family. We will see tomorrow if he is mentally and physically able to play.”

If Haaland starts, Brentford will need to keep him at bay if they are to capitalise on their 3-1 win over promoted Southampton before the international break.

The Norwegian has scored two hat-tricks in his first three games, against Ipswich and West Ham.

Asked how to stop Haaland, Brentford manager Thomas Frank said: “It’s almost impossible. A lot of teams have tried to neutralise him but he’s a great player.”