Then grinned when it was suggested they play a false nine without Haaland.
It has not always been straightforward to marry the most efficient striker in the game with the best example of a collective and it doesn't take much for the Norwegian to look out of place in a Guardiola side, but playing without him is only considered when he is injured.
If the best No.9 in the world is fit, you play him unless it is early in a cup competition. That's how it has worked since the summer of 2022, and the Blues have a few trophies to back up the strategy.
Haaland will score the goals, but he needs the service. So if you are planning an XI, having somebody who is on the same wavelength as the big man becomes pretty important in selection thoughts.
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