Why Erling Haaland decided to play for Man City vs Brentford after death of close family friend

Pep Guardiola left the decision up to Erling Haaland over his involvement in Manchester City's Premier League win over Brentford, days after the striker suffered the loss of a close family friend.

Guardiola was prepared to give the striker any time off he asked for. But no such request came and Haaland scored two goals as City came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 in a difficult encounter.

"You have to be strong, maybe for 90 minutes forget your personal life," Guardiola said after the game. "If life gives you a punch in the face, it's good to play."

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Guardiola opened up on the behind-the-scenes decision that went into Haaland's inclusion against Brentford, revealing a much more simple process than some may have expected.

"[We decided] yesterday, he was in the line-up. Of course it has been tough for his family. It's difficult for every human being. The other day he came back, was a little bit down in the locker room. We try to take care of everyone here and of each other. If someone has problems we stay close to them.

"Yesterday he was better, he was making jokes. Sometimes it helps to forget things and do your job. I didn't speak to him. We were in touch, 'how did you feel', I didn't ask if he's ready to play. If he wasn't ready he would come to me and say he's not ready.

"He's an incredible weapon, teams who are one vs one, if you isolate him against the centre-back, the quality with Ederson and Stefan [Ortega] with the long balls. It's a weapon we have to exploit and use it. The best way is 93 minutes, forget and just play."