Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said that Erling Haaland’s goal record is starting to approach the level of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring in the Premier League opener against Chelsea.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Haaland, who is only 24 years old, scored the opener in the 18th minute as City began their bid for a fifth consecutive Premier League title with a 2-0 win over Chelsea. The goal was his 91st goal in 100 league appearances, an extraordinary achievement that impressed Guardiola.
Guardiola assessed that Haaland has shown quality on par with Messi and Ronaldo, two players who have dominated world football in the last 15 years.
“He has numbers like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled everything in the last 15 years,” Guardiola was quoted as saying by ESPN.
“In terms of numbers, it’s already on par. I don’t know how he did it, but scoring 91 goals in 100 games in the Premier League, in this country, is something extraordinary.”
Guardiola also added that Haaland’s longer summer break because Norway did not compete in Euro 2024, has made him feel fresher ahead of the new season.
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“I have the feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage,” Guardiola added. “Last season, after traveling a lot, he felt a little bit tired. This season, because Norway did not qualify for the Euros, he had more rest and now he feels good.”
Despite his impressive performances, Guardiola believes that Haaland still has room to improve. “The goal was incredible. His contribution in many ways. He had two or three chances and I always feel there is room to improve as a footballer,” said Guardiola.
Manchester City could face a long season with 75 games if they reach the finals in all competitions, including next summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Guardiola also did not rule out giving individual rest to players, as suggested by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“If Carlo (Ancelotti) says that, maybe I have to pay attention and I will follow him,” Guardiola said.
“Maybe in some moments, they play too much, too often, so they can have one week at home, not training and come back.”