Pep Guardiola feels that Erling Haaland would improve after having the opportunity to increase his fitness during the World Cup break.
Haaland scored his 19th and 20th goals of the season to help his club defeat Leeds 3-1 in his 14th Premier League appearance. The Norwegian joined in the summer from Borussia Dortmund, where he missed significant time due to an injury last season. The absence of Norway from Qatar in 2022 allowed Haaland to sidestep the emotional and physical burden of tournament football.
Guardiola stated, “I believe he is still not at his best due to his injury, as it is difficult for him to move his massive frame, but the more minutes he can play, the better.” “I have a hunch he is not performing at his best.
A question of time will pass. He is always a formidable menace to the opposition. The odds are incredible, but I have a hunch that he is not just here for the odds; he wants to win. There are still 70 points up for grabs.”
Haaland acknowledged that he could have scored five goals at Elland Road to add to his extraordinary total. He lost opportunities; maybe he can improve, but the figures are outstanding; he’s a tremendous threat for us and is constantly in the correct position,” Guardiola added.
The victory at Elland Road puts City five points behind leaders Arsenal, with Haaland playing the full 90 minutes to improve his finishing. Last week, he scored against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in his first game after a recuperative hiatus. “When we began training in Abu Dhabi, he was unable to train a single day, possibly the last.”
The rest has benefited him. Haaland told Amazon that he recharged his batteries and that watching other players score and win games in the World Cup both encourages and bothers him. “I’m hungrier and more prepared than ever before.”
Haaland’s goals for Leeds embarrassed his former coach at RB Salzburg, Jesse Marsch, with whom he remains friends. “I am simply overjoyed for him,” Marsch remarked. “In some ways, it hurts to see him score; I want him to wear a different uniform.”
“However, when you know some of these young men and recognize their human traits, you want them to perform well, but not against your team. However, I am thrilled for him since he is such a wonderful person.”
