Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola alleged that City’s top goal scorer Erling Haaland is still not back to his best form after injury despite netting a brace in Manchester City’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Leeds.
The Norway legendary striker Haaland whacked two second-half goals after Rodri had opened the scoresheet for City in first-half stoppage time at Elland Road.
The 22-year-old Norway forward Haaland has now scored 26 goals in 20 appearances for Guardiola’s City in all competitions, including 20 goals in 14 top-flight appearances since his summer transfer from Dortmund.
Erling Haaland’s 26 goal contributions in 20 appearances under City boss Guardiola in all competitions marked the quickest that any player has reached 25 goals under Pep with top-flight clubs.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola claimed that Haaland is not at his best but he’s near better form despite the Norwegian becoming the quickest player to reach 20 goals in Premier League history during his side’s 3-1 victory against Leeds on Wednesday, December 28.
Guardiola, after the match at Elland Road, said: “He misses chances, but the numbers are exceptional.
“He [Haaland] is an incredible threat for the opponents and always in the right position at the right time, really good.”
“I think he is still not at his best because of the injury, to move his huge body is not easy for him, but as much as he can play minutes, (he) will be better.”
Guardiola, whose team moved second behind league toppers Arsenal with five points said Haaland has not fully recuperated from the foot injury he sustained in his side’s goalless Champions League draw against Dortmund in October.
He added: “Of course we are delighted, but that little (bit of extra) pace he had at the beginning of the season, he struggles a little bit.”
“I am still more than satisfied, but in the first part of the season, he was sharper. He is getting better, an incredible professional. He takes care of his body and mind.”
Meanwhile, the Norwegian’s brace at Leeds United got the better of his former RB Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch, who is now close to Premier League relegation.
Currently, Leeds United are just two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone having managed to secure 15 points from 15 matches played so far.
And despite seeing his former striker soaked Leeds United in a disappointing defeat on their home field, Marsch had only decent comments for Haaland on another record-breaking night.
Jesse Marsch, on Haaland, said: “I am just really happy for him.”
“In some ways watching him score is painful, I want him in a different kit.”
“But when you know some of these young men, and you see their qualities as people, you want them to do their best, just not against your team. But my gosh, I am happy for him, he is such a great person.”
What’s next for Erling Haaland?
The Manchester City goal maestro Erling Haaland who joined Borussia Dortmund for £52.1 million in June will hopefully be in his best form when City welcomes Everton on new year’s eve at Etihad Stadium.
