Pep Guardiola has said Erling Haaland's goalscoring record is reaching the levels of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but believes the striker is capable of improving further in the coming years.
Haaland, 24, scored the opener in the 18th minute as City began their quest for a fifth successive Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Chelsea, sealed by Mateo Kovacic's 84th-minute goal.
The Norway international marked his 100th league appearance with his 91st goal, and Guardiola claimed Haaland's summer off – Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024 – left him feeling sharper ahead of the new campaign.
“He has the numbers of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything,” Guardiola said. “In terms of numbers, he is at that level. So, I don't know how he does it, but in 100 games to score 91 goals is something incredible in the Premier League, in this country.
“I had the feeling that he was feeling better than last season at this stage. After last season's trip, he was feeling a little bit better than last season.” [so-so] Or he was feeling tired. This season, I think for the Euros, unfortunately Norway wasn't there, there was more rest and yes, he feels good.
“The goal was magnificent. His contribution was huge. He had two or three chances and I always had the feeling that there is room for improvement as a footballer.”
City could face a mammoth 75-match season if they reach the final of every competition, including next summer's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, and Guardiola admitted he could be influenced to give players individual rest during the season, as first suggested by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
“Maybe, and if Carlo says it, maybe I have to pay attention to it and follow it,” Guardiola said. “Maybe in some moments, they play a lot, a lot, spend a week at home, they are not in the training session and they come back. That's why in pre-season, after winning what we won, many games, [they need] To refresh yourself. If you are tired here [in your head]Forget it, you can't sustain it.
“There has to be a desire to be here, to continue enjoying football, to enjoy training, to be together in the locker room. When that happens, then you can demand everything.”
“Without that, they are tired because season after season, match after match, World Cup, Euros, all that, the body and the mentality reach a point where it's enough,” Guardiola continued. “When you have that feeling, you go home, we play with the academy. We play with other players, it doesn't matter. Otherwise, it's not positive.”
