Pep Guardiola compares 'incredible' Erling Haaland to Lionel Messi but demands 'more' from Manchester City striker
Published 14/03/2025 at 23:55 GMT
Erling Haaland still has more to offer, according to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who likened the prolific striker to former Barcelona great Lionel Messi. Haaland could reach an impressive milestone of 100 Premier League goal involvements in just his 94th appearance in the competition when City face in-form Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday.
Guardiola likens Haaland to Messi – ‘The numbers are unbelievable’
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Pep Guardiola has drawn comparisons between Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi, but insisted he wants "more" from the Manchester City striker.
Haaland drew a blank in City's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out, leaving his goal tally for the season at 28 from 38 appearances in all competitions.
The prolific 24-year-old could reach 100 Premier League goal involvements in City's clash with Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday.
"I've been with Messi, but it's incredible what Erling has done," Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. "And I want more. I want more for Erling.
"He has to help us. He has to help us more and more and more to achieve what we want to do this season.
"But the numbers are unbelievable since he arrived. Being part of that in every game. Hopefully he can reach you know that the little record [100 Premier League goal involvements] tomorrow."
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City will hope Haaland can fire them towards UEFA Champions League qualification in the final 10 games of the season, with the Premier League title now almost certain to be won by Liverpool.
Guardiola's side have endured a significant drop in performance levels this term after winning four consecutive league titles, and the Catalan highlighted the increasing quality of England's top flight.
"We helped to raise the bar in the Premier League," he said. "People want to do good. The people are well-organised, have good structures, good decisions, good players everywhere.
"I am an old guy, I'm the oldest manager here, nine years. So I know the evolution of the Premier League has been massive.
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"And I spoke with my colleagues, some of them with Enzo [Maresca], Mikel [Arteta], and [they] have the same opinion. It's incredible how they change and it's good. It's really good for the Premier League.
"We have the feeling right now that, all of us, we play the next 10 games - every game, it doesn't matter - name one, will be tough."
Guardiola added: "The season has been not good but we still have 10 games, two months ahead before the [Club] World Cup; mentally, next season.
"10 games with our people, come to support us because we're in difficult circumstances and just try, with all our energy and positivity we have to achieve a success. Still we can survive and be there."
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