'My life is better than yours!' - Pep Guardiola explains why he never wanted to be a journalist and warns against criticising Erling Haaland as 'top strikers will shut your mouth'

Haaland silenced his critics after an error-strewn performance against Chelsea on the weekend by scoring the only goal of a testing match against Thomas Frank's side in the 71st minute. Guardiola recalled advice a journalist once gave him and explained why he would never want to comment on football as a profession.

"When I was young, I was not a journalist but an old friend said to me 'top scorers strikers score a lot of goals, don’t criticise, he will shut your mouth,'" Guardiola told a press conference.

Guardiola explained that Haaland had been dealing with the recent death of his grandmother. And he admitted that there was no player he would rather a chance fell to than Haaland, despite his recent glaring misses. "Sooner or later he is there. He was out for two months, he lost his grandmother, it is not easy for a human being," the City boss added. "If I have to choose one player [to get a chance] I would choose this one."

Asked why he never wanted to be a journalist by a reporter in the press conference, Guardiola responded: "I am a manager. My life is better than yours. But nothing personal with you."

The champions moved up to second in the Premier League thanks to the win and are now just one point behind leaders Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's side can extend their lead when they face Luton at home on Wednesday but City can make up the gap again when they visit Bournemouth on Saturday.