Pep Guardiola names Erling Haaland ‘one of the best in the world’ as Man City are pitted against Dortmund in the Champions League, but refuses to be drawn on a summer move for the in-demand striker
- Pep Guardiola labels Erling Haaland as ‘one of the best’ strikers in the world
- It comes after City were drawn against Dortmund in the Champions League
- Haaland became the fastest player ever to reach 20 goals in the competition
- The 20-year-old has also been linked with a move to the Etihad this summer
- However, Guardiola refused to be drawn in on the club’s interest in the player
Pep Guardiola labelled Erling Haaland as one of the finest strikers in the world, after Manchester City were pitted against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Earlier this month Haaland became the fastest player ever to reach 20 goals in Europe’s premier club competition, doing so in just 14 games.
City are favourites to sign the 20-year-old in the summer and while Guardiola refused to be drawn on their interest, he did praise the frontman.
Pep Guardiola has labelled Erling Haaland (pictured) as one of the finest strikers in the world
Haaland became the fastest player ever to reach 20 goals in the Champions League this month
The Champions League quarter and semi-final draws produced some mouth-watering ties on Friday (graphic courtesy of sofascore.com)
‘He’s a player for Dortmund and I don’t like it when people talk about our players. You understand I cannot answer this question,’ Guardiola said.
‘The numbers speak for themselves, he is one of the best in the world at his age. I saw a few games, seen highlights and the numbers are impressive.
‘I know the quality of him but in two weeks I will answer this better.’
Guardiola will pore over Dortmund’s recent matches during the international break before the teams meet for their quarter-final first leg on April 6.
Guardiola refused to be drawn on Manchester City’s interest in the 20-year-old forward
Of more immediate concern is Saturday night’s FA Cup quarter-final against Everton — and Guardiola claims his side can only continue prospering if those not selected pull in the same direction.
‘If they want to think about four trophies they have to win tomorrow,’ he said on Friday.
‘People say competition between the players is the best and yes, sometimes it is.
‘But when you are a team and collaborate with your mates in any circumstances, that is much, much better.’