Pep Guardiola offered up an astonished response and deadpan stare to a journalist after they asked a question about Erling Haaland.
The Norway international was Europe’s standout player last season as he fired the Citizens to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.
Haaland, 23, joined Manchester City last summer with questions about how he would fit into Guardiola’s possession-dominant system.
The Norwegian more than acquitted himself from such scrutiny after bagging an incredible 52 goals in 53 games – including 36 goals in the Premier League.
However, it seems Haaland still has something to prove for some.
While attending a press conference during City’s pre-season tour of Asia, a journalist asked Guardiola whether Haaland had any steps he could take to become the perfect striker in his system.
A perplexed-looking Guardiola replied: “I would say that Haaland adapted quite well at Man City, when he scores more than 60 goals.”
The ex-Barcelona boss then pulled a face at the reporter before ending his response with a simple: “F***.”
Fans were also left puzzled at the question, with many backing Guardiola’s look of bewilderment.
One fan wrote: “You know you screwed up when Pep gives you this look.”
A second said: “This Pep is the best Pep.”
“Does Pep answer any question seriously these days? I feel like he just plays with his food,” asked a third.
Others extended the line of questioning and feared what may come if Haaland does indeed improve.
A fourth joked: “Can he not improve, please?”
Another concluded: “If last season wasn’t Haaland fully adapting to Pep’s system, then God help us all.”
In the transfer market, City have been rather slow on incoming deals, but have seen top stars Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez leave with Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva also linked with moves away.
They have signed Mateo Kovacic, but have thus far failed to announce Josko Gvardiol despite reports claiming the defender had completed his medical ahead of the record £100million transfer.
