Erling Haaland has warned Manchester City’s rivals that he in the best physical and mental position of his career in the hunt for more goalscoring records.
The Premier League’s top scorer has notched 13 goals already this season – more than double that of his closest challengers, including Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Haaland goes into Sunday’s clash with Liverpool having netted 18 goals in 14 games across all competitions and is looking to blitz his previous best of 52 strikes in a single campaign.
‘I feel this is the best version of myself,’ the 25-year-old said. ‘I’ve never felt better than now. ‘It’s been a good start, and I feel really good.
‘To keep sharp, I need to keep my mind in the right place. It’s staying in the zone and having that balance.’
Haaland’s stunning form has kept City in the hunt behind league leaders Arsenal and they could edge four points clear of Liverpool with victory over Arne Slot’s side at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland has warned Man City’s rivals that he in the best physical and mental position of his career
Haaland also paid tribute to City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of his 1000th game in management
The meeting brings up Pep Guardiola’s 1000th game in management and Haaland believes City owe it to their head coach to fire themselves into the title race.
‘It’s Pep Guardiola – he’s a genius,’ the Norwegian added. ‘There’s a reason why he’s been winning so much – because of his dedication and the hard work.
‘Just look at everything he has done for this club and in his career – it’s fantastic. It’s about working together – we need to listen to him, he tells us what to do and how to play. We need to perform for him because he deserves it.’
Guardiola refuted suggestions that his coaching has tactically changed the game and claimed that Liverpool are perfect opponents for the day he reaches one thousand.
City and Liverpool have lifted eight of the nine titles since Guardiola’s arrival, the pair separated by one point in two of those seasons.
‘If I had to choose one rival for this personal milestone, they would be the best,’ Guardiola said. ‘Liverpool, especially with Jurgen (Klopp), have been the biggest rival in this country.
‘It could not be better, to be honest. The universe decided that. It’s nice to live it at our best. The numbers are insane, I’m sorry to tell you.
‘The victories, the average (points), not just in the Premier League but the Champions League too… we have won incredible things in Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here.
‘It is difficult to reach and if I started again I would not reach it. There have been influences from managers throughout history. I can say I’ve been part of it because the numbers explain and it’s been nice to watch our team.’
Erling HaalandPep Guardiola
