Jamie Carragher has spoken out to clarify his controversial comments about Erling Haaland after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appeared baffled by the claims.
Haaland was an unused substitute in City’s Champions League quarter-final loss to Real Madrid, sparking speculation about his fitness.
During CBS Sports’ coverage, Carragher joked that the Norwegian striker might have avoided playing due to the return of Antonio Rudiger in Madrid’s defense.
His remarks were put to Guardiola in a press conference ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, and the Spanish coach was visibly surprised.
“Oh God, did Jamie Carragher say that? Oh God,” Guardiola reacted. “It’s not true. He had a problem in his knee and could not play. It was crazy to think otherwise.”
Carragher later took to social media to clarify that his comments were lighthearted banter aimed at former City defender Micah Richards, a regular on CBS Sports’ punditry panel.
“It was a joke to wind up Micah Richards as that’s the nature of our show,” Carragher posted on X. He also took a swipe at the journalist who reported his words to Guardiola, accusing them of chasing a sensational headline.
Haaland’s availability for City’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool remained uncertain at the time, with Guardiola admitting his star striker would be assessed in training.
Meanwhile, City confirmed that defender John Stones is facing a potential surgery on a thigh injury suffered in Madrid, adding to their growing fitness concerns.