Jamie Carragher has come to the defense after his controversial theory sparked debate. He claimed that Erling Haaland dodged playing because he did not want to face Antonio Rudiger.
His comments have set the pundit world abuzz.
Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City from the Champions League with a stunning 6-3 aggregate win. Madrid advanced to the last 16 by overturning City’s 3-2 defeat in the first leg, where two late goals cost them dearly. The result delivered a sharp blow to City’s European aspirations.
Kylian Mbappe stole the show in the second leg by netting a brilliant hat-trick. His attacking prowess turned the tie decisively in Madrid’s favor. The French star’s performance sent a clear message that City’s comeback was out of reach.
City’s hopes for a dramatic comeback at the Bernabeu faded without their key striker. Erling Haaland suffered a knee injury against Newcastle United and declared himself unfit to play. The absence of his firepower proved costly for Guardiola’s side.
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On CBS Sports, Carragher questioned Haaland’s fitness claim with his trademark candor. He insinuated that Haaland visited the manager with an excuse to avoid facing Rudiger. “Is this Rudiger-itis?” he joked, adding a dash of his signature wit.
Pep Guardiola reacted with disbelief at Carragher’s theory. He dismissed the claim as baseless and confirmed that Haaland truly struggled with a knee problem. Guardiola made it clear that the notion of avoiding Rudiger was neither fair nor true.
Carragher later lashed out at a journalist for twisting his words. On X, he explained that his remarks were a light-hearted joke intended to tease Micah Richards. He accused Sunday papers of chasing big headlines rather than accurate reporting.
City now face further challenges ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool. Guardiola awaits fitness tests on Haaland while evaluating John Stones after his thigh injury against Madrid. Transfer news also stirs interest as City target Bruno Guimaraes, who could join for £85m if Newcastle misses Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, AC Milan star Theo Hernandez might reject City in favor of a return to Madrid.
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