Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland is past examine and even higher than the statistics recommend.
Haaland has made a surprising begin at Manchester City, scoring 17 targets in simply 11 appearances since his summer season transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
The Norwegian’s hat-trick towards Manchester United on Sunday was remarkably his third in successive dwelling Premier League video games.
The 22-year-old is averaging a purpose each 54 minutes, has had 42 pictures and has additionally laid on three assists, two of which got here within the 6-3 derby demolition of United on the weekend.
On Wednesday he’ll hope so as to add additional to his document of 26 profession Champions League targets from 21 matches as City host FC Copenhagen.
Manager Guardiola mentioned: “At his age no one can compete with him. The numbers speak for themselves and inside, in the locker room, and on the pitch we see things that are not in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here.”
Haaland was not the one City participant to shine on Sunday with midfielder Phil Foden, additionally 22, claiming a hat-trick.
Despite the excessive requirements being set, Guardiola believes there’s extra to return from each of them.
The Spaniard mentioned: “Phil is an exceptional player. He grew up a lot and is already many years with us. He’s reliable in terms of his physical condition and he’s so intense and clever in everything. He is able to play every three days.
“But both know they can do better and hopefully they can do it.”
One participant but to glitter this time period is Riyad Mahrez, who was one of the celebs of final season’s title win and run to the Champions League semi-finals.
The Algeria worldwide has began simply 4 occasions and has not scored.
Guardiola mentioned: “I know perfectly Riyad, how important (he is). We need him to come back to his best – his best in terms of personality, ability, quality, his love for this game and how he enjoys playing.
“Step by step he will come back. Now he’s not playing much but he has to come back in better physical condition and then the rest will come along. As a player I cannot teach him anything, he’s too good.”
City have already got a three-point lead in Group G after profitable their opening two matches towards Sevilla and Dortmund.
They will now hope to take a agency stride to the final 16 of their back-to-back matches towards the Danish champions.
You have to return again to actuality and put our effort in to win an vital recreation.
Pep Guardiola
Guardiola desires to place the elation of the weekend apart to give attention to the following activity.
He mentioned: “You have to pay attention. A mistake and now you don’t have time to recover. We know how important our home games are.
“I spent last night and this morning watching Copenhagen. They are really good, well organised and you have to be careful.
“You have to come back to reality and put our effort in to win an important game. If we are able to make nine points from three games we’d be so close to the next stage.”
Right-back Kyle Walker appears set to overlook out after being pressured off towards United whereas midfielder Rodri’s calf downside will likely be assessed.
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