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Manchester (dpa / lnw) - Star coach Pep Guardiola has expressed subtle criticism of the Bundesliga club before the quarter-finals of the Champions League with Manchester City against Borussia Dortmund.
"If anyone in Manchester is familiar with Borussia Dortmund, it's me," said the former Bayern coach and initially praised the opponent: "I can't find a single player without quality at Borussia Dortmund."
But then Guardiola teased the rival, who in 2017 led the then 17-year-old Jadon Sancho away from Man City.
"They spend a lot of money and pay a lot of money to consultants to get these players who are of incredible quality," said the coach of the Abu Dhabi sheikhs-funded citizens who have historically been responsible for violations of financial fair play were reprimanded.
The background of the tips are reports about BVB top striker Erling Haaland.
Its agent Mino Raiola is said to have already started talks with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona about a possible move for the Norwegian in the summer.
With 37 goals in 34 Bundesliga games and twelve goals in eight Champions League games for BVB, Haaland has aroused the interest of top European clubs.
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Guardiola indicated that Man City could not afford such a player, but without mentioning Haaland by name.
"With these prices that is impossible," said the city coach.
In media reports, a transfer fee for Haaland in the three-digit million range had been rumored.
In addition, the relationship between Guardiola and the Italian player agent Raiola has been strained many years ago since a dispute over the then Barcelona player Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210405-99-90566 / 2
Guardiola statements in the "Daily Mail"
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Guardiola in the Manchester Evening News
Guardiola statements in "The Sun"