Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has drawn comparisons between Erling Haaland and football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, following City’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea in their Premier League opener, Soccernet.football reports.
Guardiola, who managed Messi during his prime years at Barcelona, lauded Haaland’s extraordinary goal-scoring record, likening it to the two superstars who have dominated world football over the past 15 years.
“He (Haaland) has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything,” Guardiola stated.
“In terms of numbers, it is that level. So, I don’t know how he does it, but in 100 games scoring 91 goals is something in [the] Premier League in this country. [It] is unbelievable.”
Haaland, who scored the opening goal at Stamford Bridge, marked his 100th appearance for Manchester City with yet another remarkable performance.
The Norwegian striker, who joined City in 2022, now has five goals in three league openers, further cementing his reputation as one of the most prolific scorers in the Premier League.
Guardiola also commented on Haaland’s current physical condition, noting that the 24-year-old is in better shape than he was last season, partly due to the extended rest he had over the summer following Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
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“I had a feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage,” Guardiola remarked.
“After travel last season, he felt … tired. This season, I think for the Euros, unfortunately, Norway was not there. There was more rest and yeah, he feels good. The goal was magnificent.”
In the 18th minute, Haaland gave City the lead, and Mateo Kovacic sealed the win with a second goal in the 84th minute, delivering a disappointing debut for Chelsea’s new coach, Enzo Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at City.
Despite City’s strong start, Guardiola downplayed his motivation for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, suggesting it would build as the season progresses. “The motivation to win the Premier [League] is not there for me,” he said earlier in the week, before adding, “It will be in the last month.”
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