“It is that level,” Pep Guardiola compares Erling Haaland to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after game-winning performance against Chelsea

After Manchester City's 2-0 win over Chelsea, Pep Guardiola praised Erling Haaland and compared him to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It is that level,” Pep Guardiola compares Erling Haaland to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after game-winning performance against Chelsea

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Erling Haaland, comparing him to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. (via Forbes)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, following his side’s 2-0 win against Chelsea, praised club’s front man Erling Haaland for his blistering performance. He even compared the Norwegian to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Erling Haaland was on strike against the Blues in the 18th minute as he sent the ball past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, thanks to a brilliant assist from Bernardo Silva. It marked the 24-year-old forward’s 91st goal in his 100th appearance for the club, since joining in 2022. As the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner for the last two seasons, the Norwegian forward holds the highest minutes-per-goal ratio in Premier League history.

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After the win, Pep Guardiola compared Haaland’s scoring rate to that of legends, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spanish manager praised the forward’s remarkable tally of 91 goals, hinting that Haaland could potentially match the output of the two forwards who dominated the past decade. Moreover, he added that the Norwegian appears to be in better physical shape this season compared to last.

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He has the numbers for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who controlled the last decade, 15 years, absolutely everything. In terms of numbers, it is that level.
Pep Guardiola on Man City star Erling Haaland (via BBC)

Additionally, the former Dortmund forward, thanks to his outstanding performances, is being tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner. However, some fans have criticized Haaland for his lack of involvement in general play, which he seeks to improve.

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Pep Guardiola expresses ‘honor’ to lead Manchester City for his ninth consecutive season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed pride in his team, describing it as an ‘honor’ to lead such a group of players. His comments followed City’s recent 2-0 victory over Chelsea, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic.

Pep Guardiola Manchester City
Pep Guardiola expressed honor in managing Manchester City. (via Sky Sports)

Following their win, Guardiola acknowledged that the team isn’t at their best yet but praised their winning mentality. The ex-Bayern manager highlighted the importance of how a team reacts in difficult moments, emphasizing that it’s what defines a great team. He also expressed his gratitude for having been able to manage such a talented group of players.

It's the bad moments in the season and in the games that define the big teams. For me, it is an honor to be in charge of these guys. I'm so fortunate, I could not say more.
Pep Guardiola on managing Manchester City (via BBC)

Guardiola could be approaching the end of his nine-year tenure at City, amid links to the England national team. He would, moreover, leave behind a remarkable legacy, having won 18 titles at the club.

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