Haaland is irreplaceable, says Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is ‘irreplaceable’ for Manchester City.

It comes after the clinical Norwegian frontman bagged his 10th hat-trick for the Club in Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich as our 100% start to the term continued.

The 24-year-old’s treble followed his goal in our 2-0 opening day win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, meaning he leads the division’s scoring chart with four.

His fast start to the campaign follows his involvement in the Blues’ full pre-season programme where he scored five goals in our four matches played in the United States of America.

And Guardiola believes Haaland’s attributes are precious to City – but says the Norwegian’s minutes may need to be managed when our schedule intensifies, especially in the absence of Oscar Bobb who has been ruled out for three to four months with a fractured leg.

WATCH: Extended highlights: City 4-1 Ipswich

“Last season he [Haaland] was fine,” expressed Guardiola.

“It’s good while it’s one day a week but we will have to see what happens when we start the crazy schedule for all the teams after the international break when we start Champions League, Carabao Cup and the Premier League.

READ: Haaland’s 10 City hat-tricks so far

“With the absence of Oscar [Bobb] who could play in that position as well because he’s really good but of course Erling is irreplaceable for many aspects.

“We will find a way when he needs a rest or other circumstances, hopefully not, but to continue to be clinical and to play good.”

After going behind against Ipswich, City equalised through Haaland’s penalty when Savinho was brought down inside the box.

We then took the lead when the Norwegian and Brazilian relentlessly pressed the Tractor Boys, seeing the latter retrieve possession before teeing up Kevin De Bruyne to coolly dispatch into an empty net.

Similarly, Haaland’s second of the afternoon saw him produce a tireless run into space which allowed him to collect the ball, round Arijanet Muric and slot home.

And Guardiola says the 24-year-old leading from the front is crucial to his City blueprint.

He added: “I like it when he runs a lot. I like it when he presses like an animal. I like it.

“It helps to score a goal. When you are connected you are defensively, you are connected offensively. When you are defensively disconnected, the ball comes to you and surprises you, you’re not precise.

“They know what they have to do and help us with his body language.

“If the central defender has the ball, make him sprint with this body, with those legs moving, it's scary and helps the people in the middle to support him and we are more effective in our high pressing.

“We need him. It is not negotiable. If he doesn't score a goal that’s fine but you have to do it."