Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, claimed that Erling Haaland’s 22-year-old goal-scoring record was unmatched by any other player and challenged the Norwegian to keep becoming better.
Since moving to City from Borussia Dortmund, where he netted 86 goals in 89 games, Haaland has racked up 17 goals in 10 competitive appearances.
In City’s last three home Premier League contests, he has recorded a hat-trick. Three weeks ago, his acrobatic winner against Dortmund made him the player to reach 25 Champions League goals the quickest.
“No one can compete with him at his age,” Guardiola remarked on Tuesday, before of his team’s home encounter against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday. “The statistics speak for themselves.
We observe things inside, on the field, and in the locker room that are not reflected in the stats and that make us feel glad to have him here.
Sunday’s 6-3 victory over Manchester United was made possible by another 22-year-old, Phil Foden, who also scored a hat-trick for City.
According to reports, Foden is almost ready to sign a new deal that will bind him to the club where he first played after graduating from the academy.
“Of course, we want him to stay because of his performance throughout the years,” Guardiola added.
“He’s a fantastic player who has matured tremendously.” He has been with us for a significant amount of time, is physically sound, and is so focused that he can play every three days.
Both Haaland and Foden are aware that they can perform better, and one can only hope that they will.
City can get even closer to the last-16 of the Champions League with a win over Copenhagen after defeating Sevilla and Dortmund in their first two group games.
Guardiola, however, is weary of dismissing the Danish champions after the excitement of City’s derby victory.
“We must exercise caution,” he remarked. “We must return to reality. We’ll be so close to the next level if we can score nine points in three games.”
Rodri could make a comeback after missing the United game with a calf strain, but Kyle Walker is anticipated to miss out.