EPL 2022/23: Guardiola gives verdict on Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola has said he has no doubt Erling Haaland will score goals for Manchester City.
He, however, insisted that he does not care how many he gets.

The Premier League champions, who begin their title defence at West Ham on Sunday, secured the services of one of the most sought-after players in the world when Haaland’s move from Borussia Dortmund was announced in June.

However, the Norwegian’s debut did not go according to plan as he drew a blank in a 3-1 Community Shield loss to Liverpool.

Asked how many goals Haaland will score this season, Guardiola’s response was initially jovial as he replied: “You are the guy who’s going to ask me about Haaland at every press conference, right? Welcome to Manchester.”

He added: “I don’t know how many goals he’s going to score and I don’t care.

“We are not going to win for Erling and we are not going to lose for Erling. He has to be himself. From what I’ve seen he’s going to adapt quick.

“He played one week ago his first 90 minutes in five months. He’s a big figure in terms of physicality and needs maybe more time to get in the best condition.

“If people have doubts he’s going to score goals, he’s going to score goals.

“The chances are always there. He’s a good finisher, so just adapt the way he plays and we’re going to do that to him.

“At the same time I don’t have any doubts it’s going to happen.

“The goals he’s going to score, I don’t care.”