Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has credited their fitness staff for Erling Haaland’s superb start to the season.
Haaland has started every game this season for club and country, with 15 goals in 11 matches, after intensive work with City’s Italian sports therapist Mario Pafundi.
Haaland had surgery in the summer, not training for the first week of pre-season, and Pafundi has been working closely with him.
“I’ve always said to the club that the most important department in the backroom staff is the physios,” Guardiola said. “They take care of the legs.
“Erling struggled a lot in Dortmund last year with injuries and arrived here with small problems after surgery in the summer. He started to work with Mario and other guys and thanks to them – and his work ethic – he can play regularly now. Last season it was not possible.
“Thank you to Erling and the treatment from the guys. The clubs earn a lot of money when the players can play and most of the time it’s thanks to the physios.
“It’s not weird (Pafundi travelled). At events like World Cups and European Championships, many physios go with the players. Mario is an exceptional physio.”
