Guardiola: 'Haaland is stronger than last season'

When joining Man City in the summer of 2022, Haaland struggled with injuries and caused many concerns during the pre-season friendly period. However, when he entered the campaign, he played explosively with 52 goals in 53 matches in all competitions, helping Man City win a historic treble with the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. So, when the Norwegian striker is ready to participate in friendly matches in preparation for the 2023-2024 season, Guardiola feels optimistic. "Compared to this period last season, Haaland is stronger," said the Spaniard after a friendly against Yokohama F Marinos 5-3 in Tokyo on July 22. "Haaland is fine, though not at his best, like the rest of the team. It's important that he and the team get back to rhythm and principle. We know exactly what Haaland has to do, and in just a few weeks he and the rest of the team will be in better shape."

British newspaper Sportmail commented that Guardiola's statements were like a warning to rivals in the Premier League. In this tournament alone last season, Haaland scored 36 goals and broke the record for most goals in a season held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole (both 34). In the Champions League, he also won the top scorer with 12 goals, including a record of five goals in a 7-0 win over RB Leipzig in the second leg of the 1/8 round at the Etihad Stadium.

In the first friendly match of the summer of 2023, Haaland shone with a brace to help Man City beat Yokohama F Marinos 5-3. Thanks to that, the 23-year-old striker was selected as the best player of the match and received a reward of 1 million yen (about 7,000 USD). "To score two goals in the first game is very important for Haaland, because he couldn't score last season," Guardiola joked.

The Spanish coach also revealed that Kevin De Bruyne could return in a friendly against Bayern Munich on July 26 in Tokyo and Atletico in Mapo on July 30. The Belgian midfielder injured his hamstring in the Champions League final against Inter and missed the next Belgian team gathering. "De Bruyne feels much better. I don't know what matches De Bruyne can play, but he will be back soon," Guardiola said.

Meanwhile, John Stones continues to shine in new roles. Before Yokohama F Marinos, the Englishman was paired with Manuel Akanji at centre-back, but often moved the ball forward. The most impressive moment came in the 40th minute, when Stones finished one touch from Julian Alvarez's wall to put the ball into the high corner, shortening the score to 1-2.

"I'm really enjoying this new role and just trying to give my best every time I get on the pitch," Stones said. "I'm still learning, practicing every day, trying to master the little things that I'm good at and fix the things I'm not good at. I like to play freestyle, attack and show qualities."

After meeting Bayern and Atletico, Man City will start the new season with the English Super Cup match against Arsenal at Wembley on August 6.