Pep Guardiola handed Erling Haaland warning as Man City Champions League theory raised

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side don't play in a way that will complement summer signing Erling Haaland, according to Dietmar Hamann.

The Premier League champions have completed the signing of the highly sought-after Norwegian, who remains one of the hottest properties in world football. Haaland has cemented his reputation at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 86 times in 89 outings and is set to be a huge asset at the Etihad.

It will require a change in approach from City however, who have played without a striker for the best part of two years. Guardiola has employed a false nine system with Gabriel Jesus, the club's only recognised forward, often playing from a wide position. It means an alteration to the style is needed.

Hamann has expressed reservations having previously stated he didn't think Haaland would end up on the blue half of Manchester. The German told talkSPORT : “He [Guardiola] likes to play wide players or midfielders up top who like to link play – he’s good with his feet but he’s not as good as a Grealish, or a Foden, or a Sterling who have played up top.

“It’ll be interesting to see how they play because you’ve got to feed him, but I don’t think they’ll be able to play the way they used to play because the more direct you play, the more goals he’ll probably get you.

“It’s fascinating because last year I said I can see him going anywhere, but not Manchester City because he’s just not a player that Pep Guardiola wants up top. He’s got him now and maybe he thinks he’s got to change to win the biggest trophy in club football, the Champions League, but how they play remains to be seen.”

City paid the 21-year-old's release clause and expect to fork out a total of £85.5m when agent fees, signing bonus and