TENSION: Pep Guardiola 'orders' Haaland to immediately steer clear of Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola is reportedly directly intervening to request that Erling Haaland temporarily halt all contact with Real Madrid, aiming to maintain absolute focus for Manchester City during the decisive phase of the season.

In recent days, Erling Haaland's future has become a hot topic with continuous rumors linking him to Real Madrid. In response to these developments, manager Pep Guardiola is said to have proactively stepped in to preserve internal stability at Manchester City. The Spanish tactician is concerned that prolonged speculation could directly impact the form and match mentality of his star striker.

According to El Nacional, Pep is placing particular emphasis on shielding the dressing room from distracting factors during the most intense part of the campaign. As Manchester City enters the final stretch across multiple competitions, any psychological disturbance could have significant repercussions. Haaland's constant association with the Santiago Bernabéu has raised concerns within the coaching staff about the team's overall focus being affected.

Pep is said to have delivered a firm message to his player, directly requesting the Norwegian forward to "cease contact" with Real Madrid for the time being. For him, Haaland is not only the primary goal-scorer but also the operational centerpiece of the tactical system. Maintaining the 26-year-old's optimal mental and physical condition is considered "non-negotiable" during the season's decisive phase.

Manchester City's captain believes the ambition to win trophies would be threatened if the team's most important player faces pressure from transfer negotiations. He wants his player to completely avoid the psychological burden related to his future, thereby sustaining absolute commitment on the pitch. Pep Guardiola's stance is that players must be fully focused on the present rather than potential scenarios in La Liga.

On Real Madrid's side, their interest in Haaland is nothing new. The Spanish Royal club has long viewed the striker as an ideal piece for their attacking upgrade plans. President Florentino Pérez is reportedly prepared to explore all avenues to bring the Norwegian goal-getter to Madrid should a suitable opportunity arise in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Nevertheless, Pep has no intention of blocking his player's long-term future. Sources indicate he only demands that all negotiations be paused until the 2025-26 season concludes, while emphasizing that immediate priority lies with collective achievements. After the season, Haaland is reportedly set to have "full autonomy over his future decisions," but for now, Manchester City expects absolute focus from their number-one star.