Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has claimed that Erling Braut Haaland became a "burden" before his summer move to Manchester City.
The Norway international scored 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund before completing a £51m transfer to the Premier League champions during the summer transfer window.
Ahead of Dortmund's Champions League meeting with Haaland and Man City on Wednesday, Kehl has criticised Haaland's impact on the team towards the end of his stay with the Bundesliga side.
Talking to Sports Bild, Kehl said: "As much as we have always appreciated Erling and the success he has had with our shirt, in the end the matter had definitely become a burden, both in the dressing room and for the club.
"In general, for the whole environment, it was just him. The timing of the sale was right, both for us and for City. The fact that our first 10 goals this season have been scored by 10 different players proves it.
"I would have liked to have been certain (about the Norwegian's departure) a little earlier, because that issue limited our preparation. Without him, we have the possibility to trust the other players."
While Dortmund have taken 12 points from their opening five Bundesliga games, Haaland has hit the ground running with Man City, scoring 12 goals in eight competitive appearances.
