Guardiola delighted with Haaland form | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says he is more than happy with Erling Haaland’s start to the campaign.

The Norway star has moved on to 99 goals from 103 City appearances and already has nine in four games this season.

The City boss was asked if Haaland can get even better and he replied he is very happy with his achievements so far and if he were to repeat the feat – 99 goals in the next 100 games or so – he’d be even happier.

“He can get involved, but if you tell me he will score 99 goals in the next 100 games, for me it’s fine,” smiled Guardiola.

“If he won't improve, don’t improve. Score 99 goals in the next 100 games I will be more than delighted and City will be, too.

“Experience playing game and game and game, he will improve. It's difficult to improve when you don't play.

“The more games he plays here, he will improve in a natural way.”

Asked if Haaland’s incredible goals return had surprised him, Pep added: “A little bit yeah.

“You know why? I played 11 years and scored 11 goals. This guy in four games scored nine goals!

“The difference is that last season, he feels his body. [He had]  niggles and was tired, but now he feels better.

“In first season, he came from Dortmund with problems, especially in the first month.

“So far this season, he feels clean and has no problems - I don’t know in one or two months’ time.

“I don’t expect that every game he will score one or two goals. When a player, not just him, has that feeling, they can perform at their best.

“The opponents will find a solution to control this and we have to find the solution to beat them.

“When that happens, we have to create an environment for other players to score a goal. He has the mindset to be positive and hopefully he can help us.”

The boss also says he is pleased by the impressive start Kevin De Bruyne has made.

The Belgian returned to action at the start of the year following a four-month lay off due to hamstring surgery, but finished the campaign strongly before competing in this summer’s Euros.

“It’s the same with Erling, I said the season starts now,” said Pep.

“Kevin has started well and come back good, he helped us in the Premier League games.

“No player can sustain it every week. His mood is good, and I am happy.”

And the City boss also says he is looking forward to seeing Phil Foden return after illness – but wants the competition for the central midfield berths to be competitive to ensure everyone is at their best.

“We have Gundo back and his position is better there,” he said.

“When Phil] is fit, selection is tough. They have to compete. I want to rotate, but they have to prove they are ready when I rotate.

“The business here is the next game. Not because I give presents to this player or the other.

“I want them all involved and fresh, but they have to be ready to perform.”

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