Pep Guardiola gives rare insight into an underrated Man City strength

When Manchester City players emerged for the second half at Turf Moor, Pep Guardiola was seen embracing Bernardo Silva and holding him close as he walked across the pitch.

It had a comedic feel, as if the Blues boss was protecting his smaller player from the big bully after he had raced over at half-time to scold Erling Haaland for shouting at Silva. In reality, everyone had already moved on and the champions were ready to go again.

The half-time shouting match between Haaland and Guardiola was striking, one of the biggest figures at the club not hesitating to shout at the other in front of the television cameras (even if he did belatedly shove them away before going back for more). As former United player Gary Neville said of the incident, it is not even something that the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson would have done.

And yet, for all the drama in those seconds, it tells you everything about this City squad that there was mild disdain from the participants at it being such a big talking point. Guardiola was exasperated that it formed the first question of his press conference, while Haaland spoke about how Guardiola's reaction is exactly the hunger and drive he wants from his manager.

Also read: Pep Guardiola explains why he shouted at Erling Haaland at half time

What the incident highlighted so publicly is that this is a City dressing room full of adults. That may sound daft given that is exactly what they are, yet mature behaviour does not always follow from people who have lived exceptional lives from a young age.

Haaland was furious with Silva because he wants to win and thought the opportunity was there for him to be in behind the defence; Guardiola was furious with Haaland because he had just watched his team