Manchester City coach “Pep Guardiola” affirmed that the Norwegian striker “Erling Haaland” has reached the same level of stardom that “Lionel Messi” and “Cristiano Ronaldo” presented at their peak, praising his great impact and amazing goalscoring numbers since joining the team.
Following Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, where “Haaland” scored two goals that led the team to second place in the Premier League standings, “Guardiola” stated: “We performed very well, and of course “Erling” was decisive. It’s like playing with “Messi” or “Cristiano,” you know? His impact is very significant.”
The Spanish coach explained his point of view regarding the Norwegian striker’s level, saying: “Has he reached this level? Just look at his numbers. Oh my God! Yes, he is already at the level of “Cristiano” and “Messi’s” numbers. The only difference is that “Messi” and “Ronaldo” did that for 15 years. Look at “Messi” now in America, he is still scoring two or three goals every game, and “Cristiano” in Saudi Arabia is doing the same. But “Haaland” is at this level, and without him, things would be very difficult.”
“Haaland” currently tops the Premier League’s top scorer list with 11 goals this season, five goals ahead of his closest rivals who have 6 goals, and he is only two goals away from reaching 100 goals in the league with Manchester City.
Despite the strong start that “Haaland” has contributed to, placing his team in second place behind leaders Arsenal by 6 points, none of his teammates have scored more than one goal in the competition so far, which confirms the team’s reliance on the Norwegian star in scoring goals.
“Guardiola” pointed out that the great determination that “Haaland” possesses and his constant desire to develop are the key to his success, saying: “His way of shooting the ball is amazing, he shoots it low as if he is saying: (I will score now). I have said it repeatedly, he is amazingly coachable, and I am sometimes strict with him.”
He continued: “I always try to be open-minded with him, and there are players who say to me: (What are you talking about?) But he is completely different, humble and wants to learn, and lives to score goals.”
Manchester City is preparing for a fiery summit clash against Liverpool next week at the Etihad Stadium, in a match that could determine the identity of the most prominent competitors for the league title with Arsenal.
Regarding the race for the top, “Guardiola” said: “I hope Arsenal concedes a goal someday. I have felt since the World Cup that we are in good shape. But we are still in the tenth round, and there are 28 games left, and a lot will happen, and I feel that the team is getting better and better.”
With 98 goals in 107 games, “Haaland” is close to becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals in Premier League history, surpassing the record held by “Alan Shearer,” who needed 124 games to achieve it.
“Guardiola” directed criticism at referee “Anthony Taylor,” hinting that he has become accustomed to seeing decisions that do not benefit his team since taking over as City’s coach in England, saying: “We received an incredible goal from the refereeing perspective. I have been here for a whole decade, and I know them well. I am happy with what we have achieved at City despite everything. Ten years have passed, so I know them well… I don’t call the referees, I don’t have time for that. My schedule is full of matches, and I don’t want to waste my time talking. Never, I don’t do that.”
“Guardiola” concluded his speech by saying: “I told him after the match: When we meet again, just tell me if there is a foul or not. Just take a look, it’s okay. They are brave here, at the Etihad, very brave.”
Special numbers
According to “Opta” statistics network, Manchester City has achieved victories on its home ground against Bournemouth with a 100% rate (9 out of 9), only Manchester United has achieved the same rate but in a larger number of matches against Luton Town (16 out of 16).
In the nine matches that took place between Man City and Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, the Sky Blues scored 34 goals and conceded only 4 goals.
Manchester City has won against Bournemouth in 16 out of 17 matches between the two teams in the Premier League.
At the age of 25 years and 158 days, “Phil Foden,” the Manchester City star, became the youngest player to reach 200 matches in the Premier League with Manchester City, surpassing “Raheem Sterling’s” record (26 years and 284 days).
Also, Frenchman “Rayan Cherki” became the only player in the top five European leagues to provide two assists in five different matches in all competitions in 2025, as he provided two assists to “Erling Haaland” in yesterday’s match.
“Erling Haaland” has scored goals in Premier League matches this season (13 goals) more than half the number of Premier League teams (10 teams).
