'Big knock' - Pep Guardiola explains Erling Haaland substitution in Man City win

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City have to take care of Erling Haaland even if it means being less confident on the pitch.

Haaland made the game safe with a composed finish after rounding the goalkeeper just shy of the hour mark in their Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava, and was instantly withdrawn. The No.9 was involved in a lengthy chat with Guardiola after the game as the pair walked off the pitch together deep in discussion.

City's manager would like to keep Haaland on for every minute of every game, but has to think about the relentless schedule. With the Norwegian having been in a physical battle at St James' Park at the weekend, he decided enough was enough in Slovakia.

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"Erling is never disappointed with his manager!" Guardiola started. "As a manager I am more secure and more happy when Erling is on the pitch.

"I will keep him on the pitch all the time but with 0-3 the game was almost over and with this amount of games we have to take care of him. He had a big knock last game against Newcastle so that's why after 0-3 the fantastic goal with the pass from Rico and after that it's better."

McAtee came off the bench to score his first City goal and make the game 4-0 to improve City's goal difference in the new-look Champions League. The manager said that he was unaware of the specific qualification needs and so was not thinking too much about goal difference as City spurned chances, but he was happy with their first victory.

"Someone said to me but I don't think about that," he said. "Win games will be enough. It's difficult, three tough tough away games. Have to do a lot of points, today a first victory to see ourselves higher in the table."