Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola has said his Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is no longer at his best, although he scored twice in the team’s 3-1 Premier League win against Leeds United.
And the British news agency “BA Media” reported that Haaland scored twice in the second half, after Rodri gave Manchester City the opening goal in stoppage time of the first half, and despite the late goal scored from Pascal Stroujic for the Leeds team, there was no doubt that Manchester City will win the game.
So far, the Norwegian striker has scored 26 goals in 20 games for Manchester City in all competitions since his move from Borussia Dortmund this summer, including 20 in 14 Premier League games.
Guardiola – whose side climbed to second in the table and closed the gap between himself and leaders Arsenal to 5 points – said they had “missed chances, but the numbers are exceptional”.
He added: “He’s an incredible threat, he’s always in the right places at the right time, he’s very good.”
He stressed: “I think he hasn’t reached his best level due to the injury. It’s not easy for him to move his huge body, but the more minutes he plays, the better he gets.”
Guardiola said Haaland – who signed from Borussia Dortmund for around $63m last summer – had not fully recovered from a foot injury sustained in the goalless match against Dortmund in the Champions League last October.
Guardiola concluded: “I have the feeling he hasn’t reached his best levels. It’s a matter of time. He always poses a great threat to the opposition. I’m very satisfied with his performance, but the first half of the season has been more decisive. He’s growing up, an amazing professional, taking care of his body and mind.”
