Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Erling Braut Haaland was replaced at half time in Tuesday's goalless draw with Borussia Dortmund due to a "fever".
The Citizens were frustrated by their German counterparts at Westfalenstadion, with Haaland failing to pose a threat in the final third against his former club before being replaced at the interval by Bernardo Silva.
Guardiola's side were eventually forced to share the spoils with Dortmund, but that was enough for the Premier League champions to secure top spot in Group G, while the hosts have now joined them in the last 16.
Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Guardiola was questioned about his decision to substitute both Haaland and Joao Cancelo at half time – two stars who have established themselves as key players for the Citizens so far this season.
"Erling had a bit of fever before the game." Guardiola said. "Joao had a bit of a kick on his foot. I saw [Haaland] tired, Joao as well, That's why we change it. In that period we struggle a lot."
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Haaland – who was cheered by the Dortmund faithful as he walked round the pitch at full time – played in each of City's first 13 games across all competitions before he was rested for the goalless draw with Copenhagen two weeks ago, with Guardiola citing fatigue as the reason for his absence.
Cancelo, meanwhile, has started all 17 matches for Man City so far this campaign, but he was able to put his feet up for the second half against BVB, with Guardiola having one eye on their next five fixtures before the break for the World Cup.
Asked about his team's overall performance against Dortmund, Guardiola added: "We played much better in the second half. In the first half we conceded some balls and lost some counter-attacks.
"We suffered a little bit because our game on Saturday was so physically demanding. We are a little bit tired but we achieved what we wanted. We're top of the group again and in the last 16.
"Dortmund did not want to press high so we adjusted a bit our pressing. In the first half we had problems down the left side. Apparently a draw was good for them and for us as well."
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Just before the hour mark, Man City missed the best chance of the game against Dortmund, with Riyad Mahrez missing another penalty – his second in as many Champions League games having failed to convert against Copenhagen – after being tripped over inside the area by Emre Can.
Guardiola has admitted that converting spot kicks has become a "problem" for the Citizens, who have now missed a total of 25 penalties in all competitions since the Spaniard took charge of the club in 2016, more than any other Premier League club.
"Since I've been here we've missed 25 penalties – it's too many," Guardiola added. "You always have to admire the courage, but missing so many penalties is a problem.
"We have to improve. It comes down to fine margins in this competition and these situations can make the difference."
Mahrez has now missed 10 of his 32 penalties in his professional career, including four for Man City since the turn of the year.
The Citizens will now turn their attention to Saturday lunchtime's Premier League trip to Leicester City, before welcoming Sevilla to the Etihad for their final Champions League group game next Wednesday.
Oliver Thomas
