Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, has shed light on the ‘problem’ that Erling Haaland is having. The young striker has been continually linked with a move to Manchester City, among other top European clubs, due to his impressive form at Borussia Dortmund.
At only 20, Haaland has cemented his place as one of the world’s most promising footballers, with 33 goals in just 32 matches for his current team. But according to Guardiola, there’s one particular issue that Haaland is still grappling with – the expectation that he must score every game.
Speaking in a press conference, Guardiola said: “Normally these kind of players score a lot of goals when they are in smaller clubs, and they stay there for a long time. But Haaland is scoring every game, and when that doesn’t happen, maybe it’s a problem.”
Haaland’s stats this season appear to support Guardiola’s assertion. He went through a mini-scoring drought in Dortmund’s last four games before finally breaking his duck against Sevilla in the Champions League last month.
The problem of constantly having to score is not unique to Haaland, of course. It’s something that all top strikers face, particularly those who are still relatively new to the top level of the game. But as Guardiola suggests, it can be particularly challenging for players like Haaland who have had explosive starts to their careers.
Having said that, Guardiola also believes that Haaland has what it takes to thrive at any top club, including Manchester City. “He’s a player for Borussia Dortmund, he has a contract there and until the end of the season he’ll be a Dortmund player. I never talk about players from other clubs. You understand I can’t, I cannot say anything else,” he said.
Haaland’s prowess in front of goal makes him the ideal signing for any team looking to strengthen their attack. He has proved his worth against top opposition in the Champions League and certainly looks set to become one of the world’s best players in the years to come.
But it’s important to remember that he’s still a young player and is still learning his trade. Guardiola’s comments serve as a reminder that even the best players need support and guidance to reach their full potential.
Whether Haaland ends up at Manchester City or another top club is anyone’s guess at this stage. What we do know is that he’s a player who is destined for big things and is sure to excite fans wherever he goes.
For now, we wait and watch for signs of how he handles the pressure of having to score in every game. It’s a tough challenge, but one that we’re confident Haaland will overcome as he continues to develop as a player.