Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted Erling Haaland is "very happy" despite losing the 2023 Ballon d'Or to Lionel Messi.
Haaland finished second in the Ballon d'Or, while he won the Gerd Müller Award for the best striker in the world.
Despite losing the historic trophy, Guardiola revealed that Haaland greatly appreciated how he was about to win the reward, and that this ensured him great happiness.
The Spanish coach also added in the press conference for the Bournemouth match: "I saw him very happy to be a candidate so close with Messi, Mbappe and the rest of the players."
"It was a big night for Manchester City. Haaland still has his whole career ahead of him and he can win the award, he was really happy to be there and compete."
"He has to keep winning and say, 'Yes, next season I'll win the Ballon d'Or.'"
Last season, Haaland scored 52 goals for Manchester City in all competitions, which was enough to secure him the European Player of the Year award.
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