Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola was surprised by the great eagerness shown by newcomer Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who scored two goals in his first Premier League appearance last week.
City beat out fierce competition from several European clubs to sign the 22-year-old Norwegian, who has scored 86 goals in 89 games against Germany’s Borussia Dortmund.
Halland was quick to dismiss any doubts about his ability to quickly fit into Guardiola’s system, which has crowned City with the league title over the past two years without bringing in a clear striker, and the Norwegian managed to score two goals in a win over West. Ham in the first round of the English Premier League over the weekend.
Guardiola spoke at his press conference on the eve of his team’s match against Bournemouth scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, in the second round of the English Premier League, about Halland, saying: “He is an exceptional player”, adding: “It is not necessary to tell you , everyone knows this, but we met several times. He is an amazing opponent. And he wants to win.”
“I would like to make these players better. Erling can become a better player and I think he has the will to do so,” added the former Barcelona and Bayern manager.
“I have never seen a player at the age of 21 or 22 who could (Lionel) Messi finish attacks like (like Haaland),” he added.
And Guardiola added: “You can always improve and we will try. When (Haaland) leaves, we want him to say that he is a better player than he was when he arrived.”
Source: agencies