Guardiola on new Haaland deal: ‘He has to deliver for the team’ | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on Erling Haaland to continue delivering after signing a contract extension at the club.

It was announced on Friday that Haaland had signed a new nine-and-a-half-year deal to remain at City until the summer of 2034.

The Norwegian forward is second in the Premier League scoring charts with 16 this season, only bettered by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

After an exceptional two-and-a-half-years in Manchester, Guardiola is delighted to the forward has chosen to extend his stay at the club, but has demanded even more from the 24-year-old.

“Nine and a half years, how many months? For Erling? Listen I’m really pleased,” Guardiola said. “Now we have to deliver. I’ve been here for more than 500 games, 483 have been exceptionally. The last 12 haven’t been like we expected but the bigger picture has been a dream.

“If Erling is here he has to deliver for the team, he has to perform well. Push the team and push the team, the manager will be here for him and myself right now and you have to deliver. Everyone in the club is happy and now we have to do it.

“I had the feeling that you feel wanted. You feel they’re happy to have you here. After the success we’ve had, even now I feel the same. We might not be doing well but it’s a good place to be.

“I knew he signed his contract two/three weeks ago, I was happy in this moment, but now it’s Ipswich town. I’m really pleased because we can visualise winning games, even more so with Erling.

“The situation happened when he came, he played all these games and struggled, but from day one he’s been professional. The first and now, he’s been the best.

“Strikers are not coming to replace Erling. Without Erling we can play in different ways. We will find solutions, we can’t go out and buy Mbappe. We have alternatives just in case Erling can’t play every game.

“These young players have the curiosity to learn from the best, that’s the best lesson. It’s the best way to improve.”