City will take on Sevilla, FC Copenhagen and Haaland’s former employers Borussia Dortmund and Guardiola, when asked for his No.9’s reaction to the draw said he is sure he will be very pleased.
“I didn’t speak with Erling yet, but I guess he will be happy,” smiled the City boss.
“I guess he will be happy to be back somewhere that was so important (to him).
“The draw is the draw, it is what it is. We don’t have much time (to prepare), but I will start to get to know them more deeply.
Asked if he felt it was a tough group, he replied: “It’s what it is. We will do our best and try to go through.”
Pep was also asked what effect the World Cup would have on his players and whether they would fear picking up an injury and missing out.
“I don’t think the players play thinking about the World Cup or whether they get injured,” he said.
“You can get injured walking down the street. It is what it is. Whether I like or don’t like, nothing is going to change. Now is Crystal Palace.”
City take on Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon and one journalist was keen to discover what Pep’s opinion of the Eagles’ manager - who has cited Guardiola as one of his inspirations on several occasions - and his progress so far.
“I have incredible consideration for Patrick, firstly as a person,” he said.
“As a player he was one of the legends of the Premier League. He’s doing an incredible job. I have a very high consideration for him.”
Watch the Friday press conference via the video above...
