After not winning the Ballon d'Or, Pep Guardiola reveals Erling Haaland's feelings

Erling Haaland was certainly close to winning the 2023 Ballon d'Or. The Norwegian striker was significantly among the main candidates to win this award after his great season. However, it was finally Lionel Messi, who ended up with the highest award for a footballer. After this event, Pep Guardiola, the Norwegian player's coach, revealed how his footballer has felt in recent days.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach, assured that he saw Erling Haaland "happy" for staying so close to Leo Messi in the Ballon d'Or awarded last Monday. The Norwegian won the Silver Ball, behind the Argentine, who surpassed him for winning the World Cup in Qatar and despite Haaland's hat-trick and record of goals in the Premier League.

"I saw him very happy to be a candidate close to Messi and with the rest of the players. It was a good night for Manchester City. Congratulations to Messi and Bonmatí for the awards," Guardiola said at a press conference this Friday. After winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, as well as being the top scorer in two major competitions, many thought that Haaland was going to be the winner. However, it was not that way and the Norwegian took the prize.

More messages of support for Haaland

"For us it is very important to be there, because on many occasions in recent years I have not been. For the first time we have been important there," added the Spaniard, since City has only had one other player on the Ballon d'Or podium , Kevin de Bruyne in 2022. He also confessed that he has a lot to give in his career. "Haaland has his entire career ahead of him. He has to keep winning and maybe next season he will be there again. He was delighted to be there."