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'Ballon d'Or is not Erling Haaland's target' - Pep Guardiola hits back at Jamie Carragher over criticism of Man City star and explains why he has nothing to prove

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✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.

✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.

✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.


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✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.

✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets. 

✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.


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✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.

✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.

✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.


Over 28 months$79.99
Exclusive Streaming Home
peacock logo image for promo

Peacock Premium

✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.

✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.

✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.


Monthly from$12.99
Budget Cord-Cutter
Sling Blue Promo Panel logo

Sling TV

✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.

✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets. 

✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.


Monthly from$45.99
Premium Cable Alternative
DirecTV

DirecTV

✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.

✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.

✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.


Over 28 months$79.99
Exclusive Streaming Home
peacock logo image for promo

Peacock Premium

✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.

✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.

✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.


Monthly from$12.99

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Haaland criticised by Carragher
  • Guardiola defends striker
  • Admits he can still improve
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Manchester City striker reached incredible goalscoring levels in the Premier League last season but has failed to hit the same feats this term. The dip in his performances has resulted in a lot of criticism regarding his involvement in play outside of just putting the ball in the back of the net. One such criticism came from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who questioned Haaland's aims of winning titles with the team over his desire to win individual accolades.

  • guardiola(C)Getty Images

    WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

    Guardiola defended Haaland against Carragher's criticism, saying: "The target is not to win the Ballon d’Or. The target is to win the Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues, FA Cups and Carabao Cups. And he did it. Without him, it would not be possible. What we won in 2023 five titles without him it’s impossible. No chance. He’s a key player for us. He will improve because of his desire, his age, more games, more experience, arrive in the latter stages of the competition, it’s never happened in his career. This will be his future."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Despite all the criticism surrounding Haaland, the 23-year-old has racked up 30 goals and provided six assists in 37 games in all competitions in 2023-24, a drop-off from last season's statistics but world-class output nonetheless.

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  • haaland rudiger(C)Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND?

    While the Norwegian was unable to impress in the 3-3 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash, it is possible that he could be rested on the weekend against Luton Town as City prepare for the second leg on April 17.