Despite Erling Haaland outshining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, City boss Pep Guardiola tells him off

The city talisman is on the brink of breaking numerous goal records; however, his manager had to remind him to work harder without the ball during the preseason.

Erling Haaland is an exceptional player who is on the brink of breaking numerous records in English football after increasing his goal aggregate at Manchester City to 94 in 101 games. However, he continues to be scrutinised by Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard still felt the need to question the world’s best center-forward this summer, despite the fact that the statistics are “ridiculous,” as his manager acknowledged after his hat-trick against Ipswich Town.

At the age of 24, Haaland has tallied 260 goals for both his club and his country. This has been accomplished in a mere 315 encounters. Lionel Messi had tallied 197 goals in 326 games and Cristiano Ronaldo 132 goals in 362 appearances at the same age, to provide context.

At the commencement of his third season with Manchester City, this was Haaland’s tenth hat-trick, bringing him one goal closer to Wayne Rooney’s career total and five behind Sergio Aguero, who spent a decade at the club.

In principle, Haaland should only improve as long as his body remains intact, as he is a monster. It is a terrifying prospect, as no defence in the world will ever be certain of halting him, let alone one that has committed the same errors as Ipswich Town.

However, if anyone was unsure as to why Manchester City are expected to win the Premier League title for the fifth consecutive year – unless they receive a substantial points deduction at the conclusion of their hearing into alleged historical breaches of financial rules – they only had to observe them crush Ipswich while playing in third gear and then listen to Guardiola’s comments about his superstar striker.

It was not only that Guardiola disclosed that Haaland was experiencing a greater sense of fitness and vitality than he had in months, following a summer break and his absence from the European Championships, as Norway was unable to qualify. He also stated that he had had to reprimand him during the preseason for allowing his standards to deteriorate.

“There were certain aspects of our time in the United States that I did not appreciate,” he stated, before being prompted to provide further details regarding the specific issues that had caused him distress.

“I am more fond of it when he runs frequently,” Guradiola described. “I enjoy it when he presses with the force of an animal.” I appreciate it. Scoring a goal is advantageous.

“You are connected offensively when you are connected defensively.” You are not precise when you are disconnected defensively and you run, and the ball surprises you.

“This combination is designed to provide us with precise guidance and assistance.” Imagining a central defender with the ball, he executes a sprint with his torso and legs in motion. This is his body language. It induces fears.

“It is advantageous for us if the individuals in the middle and rear provide him with assistance.” We are more efficient in our high-priority tasks. Additionally, we require his assistance. This is non-negotiable. It is acceptable if you fail to achieve a goal. However, it is imperative that you engage in the activity of running.

Haaland has already scored four goals in two Premier League games and jokingly enquired over the weekend whether individuals who were playing fantasy football had “triple captained” following his hat-trick against Ipswich.

The manager is concerned about the striker’s exceptionally hectic schedule.
Guardiola delighted in discussing the Norwegian’s absence of any injuries at this early juncture of the season.

“He is in a good mood,” he stated. “During the previous season, he consistently experienced issues with his hips, ankles, and knees.” Obviously, he is diligent in his self-care with the physiotherapists this season; however, I had the impression that he was more alert.

“After training sessions, he remains for an extended period to practise the crosses and controls.” It never transpired during the previous season due to his imperfection. In order to execute at that level, his physical condition must be flawless. This is the reason you have an exceptional organisation that enables the athletes to perform at their best by ensuring that they are comfortable.

“Haaland stated to all of you that he was playing with an injury, despite the fact that he scored 45 goals for both his club and country last season.” Nevertheless, he is commendable.

“Currently, there is only one game played each week.” It is imperative to observe the unpredictability of the schedule for all teams at the outset. Champions League, Carabao Cup, Premier League, and Premier League commence immediately following the international break. In the absence of Oscar [Bobb, who is injured], as well as a player who is exceptionally talented and capable of playing in that position.

“Erling is indispensable in numerous respects.” However, we will devise a solution when he is not participating due to rest or any other circumstances.

Guardiola will never abandon Haaland if he is in good health; however, this does not preclude him from consistently seeking an improvement in his performance. The manager is resolute in his commitment to ensure that no one’s standards are compromised this season, which is a cause for concern for the other players.