Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Elling Holland.
"Coach Guardiola praised Holland's mental strength."
Manchester City beat Brentford 2-1 in the fourth round of the 2024-25 season at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, at 11 p.m. on the 14th.
Ahead of the game, unfortunate news was delivered to Holland. Ivar Egza, who Holland is like a friend, has passed away. Egza was close to Holland, playing several roles.
Holland paid tribute on his SNS account, "You are a legend. I can't express how much you meant to me. It's hard to express how much I will miss you. Thank you for everything. We will meet again. Rest in peace."
It was also unclear whether Holland would play or not. Ahead of the match, Manchester City manager Guardiola said, "It is a tough time. Our thoughts are with him and his family, and we will see if he can physically and mentally play."
Nevertheless, Holland started as a starter and contributed greatly to his team's victory. When Manchester City was trailing 0-1, it was scored by Kevin De Bruyne in the 20th minute of the first half with a powerful right-footed shot.
Holland's toes shone again. In the 32nd minute of the first half, Ederson's kick passed Brentford's height, Holland caught it and advanced, and scored with a sensational chip shot. No additional points have been scored since then, and Manchester City finished 2-1.
According to the soccer statistics magazine "Squawka," Holland made a new history by scoring multiple goals in the match against Brentford. Holland is the only player in the history of the PL who scored nine goals in the first four games since the opening of the season.
After the match, Guardiola praised Holland's mental strength. "He told me he wanted to play. That's how he feels. I forget about his personal life for 90 minutes," he said. "Sometimes the best way is to do things. He has been perfect for many years."
He continued, "If Holland is not ready to play, he tells me he is not ready. He has a lot of qualities and we have to use them." 무료슬롯사이트
Holland is in good condition this season. "He is really good. He is the best performer, but he has only played in four games," Guardiola said.