Guardiola: 'Haaland is fit enough to explode'
Haaland suffered an injury from the draw against Dortmund on October 25. But the striker recently returned and contributed a goal in the 3-2 win over Liverpool in the English League Cup on December 22. However, many Man City fans are still concerned.
But at the press conference before the match against Leeds today, coach Guardiola denied all concerns about the health of his students. "I think he's ready. Haaland's fitness is getting better every day. The muscle problems and other things are perfect," he said.
The match on the evening of December 28 is an opportunity for Haaland to reunite with Jesse Marsch, Leeds coach. While working for RB Salzburg, Marsch worked with the Norwegian striker for a time. Before the reunion, the American coach joked about allowing Haaland to get injured and miss the game.
According to Guardiola, Haaland should ignore the praise from Marsch. He considers the match against Leeds to be a great battle, and Man City's goal is to win three points.
"After the World Cup break, I want another opponent than Leeds. Statistically they are the most aggressive team in the Premier League. They won't give you time to think," warned Guardiola.
In Man City's 19 matches in all competitions at the beginning of the 2022-2023 season, Haaland contributed 24 goals. 18 of those goals were scored in 13 Premier League games, giving him the top scorer race with five more goals than second-placed Harry Kane. Meanwhile, one of the two top scorers in the 2021-2022 season, Mohamed Salah has only seven goals.
According to goalkeeper Ederson, Haaland has the advantage of finishing, sniffing opportunities, choosing criticism and physical strength. However, what impressed him the most was the mentality.
"Haaland has an extraordinary mentality. I hope he continues to develop like that," said the four-time Premier League-winning goalkeeper with Man City.
Man City is currently third in the Premier League, with 32 points after 14 matches. Meanwhile, Arsenal lead with 40 points after 15 matches. Newcastle are second with 33 points from 16 games. If they win Leeds, Man City will reclaim second place.
Under Guardiola, Man City won the Premier League in four of the last five seasons. In the 2017-2018 season, they finished with a record score of 100. Liverpool interrupted Man City's five-season championship streak when they won the 2019-2020 season.
