Pep Guardiola has affirmed that Erling Haaland has the potential to reach the same level as legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Erling Haaland scored his 10th hat-trick for Manchester City as the reigning champions swiftly turned the game around after Sammie Szmodics unexpectedly gave Ipswich the lead. Ultimately, Guardiola’s side secured a comfortable 4-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
After the match, Guardiola praised Haaland:
“I believe he feels better than in previous seasons. After his hat-trick, he experienced some difficulties, possibly due to having fewer days off. I remember at the start of the season, he complained about still being tired.
This season, he hasn’t had to participate in the Euros, which allowed him to rest and return in very good shape. We talked during the pre-season tour; I didn’t like some things, and he made changes.
Of course, Haaland can’t play every game until the end of the season. But you know his importance. His statistics in terms of goals are truly impressive.
He achieved this at Salzburg and in Germany. The numbers are absurd. It’s hard to believe.
He can compete in terms of goal count with Cristiano and Messi. He has an incredible number of goals despite his young age. With these numbers, he is an extraordinary threat for us.
We are very happy to have him. Hopefully, he can stay here for many years. That would be very good for us.”