Manchester City star Erling Haaland has now revealed how Pep Guardiola told him he would "smash" the Norwegian if he failed to do one thing.
The 23-year-old has explained that, before officially signing for the Citizens, the Spaniard informed him he would be allowed to do whatever he wants off the pitch, but once on the training, full focus was required or he would suffer the consequences.
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The striker joined the Mancunians from Borussia Dortmund for £51 million (R1.2 billion) last year, a deal that is now considered a bargain after he scored 52 goals in all competitions last season and helped his side to an iconic treble.
Haaland has now attributed the club's success to Guardiola and his very specific set of demands, labelling the Spanish tactician as a "detail freak".
"It's not easy, of course, it's not easy to work with Pep because he is so demanding," the forward told The Telegraph.
"When I spoke with him before I signed here, he said: 'I don't care what you do, do whatever you want. But when you have me on the (training) pitch, you have to be focused. If not, I will smash you!'
"That's really how he is and City are as a team and as a club. It's why they have been so successful. The pressure is there. Look at the pressure we have every single day as a club, as a team, as individuals.
"But you must focus the one hour we have in training every day and the rest of the day relax, don't think of football, don't think of anything.
"I think that's a big part of why it's so successful here with all the staff. After training – don't think of football anymore.
"You think and you develop on the pitch. When you are on the pitch – you focus. That is what Pep demands."
The Norway international also believes he has developed into a better footballer since joining the Manchester side.
"I feel more experienced. I played 53 or so games last season. I am better at things – and you will see throughout this season what I am better at!"
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While Haaland also revealed that he dreams of winning another treble, City's next obstacle in that pursuit is Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side, with the two clubs set to square off in a Premier League fixture on Sunday.
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