Pep Guardiola Calls for Relentless Pressing from Haaland

Pep Guardiola recently shared insights into his summer conversation with Erling Haaland. He addressed aspects of the striker’s game that needed improvement. Despite Haaland’s impressive record as the Premier League’s top scorer for the past two seasons, scoring 36 goals in City’s Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign and 27 goals last season during City’s unprecedented fourth consecutive league title win, Guardiola emphasized the importance of Haaland’s work rate and pressing abilities.

Guardiola expressed his admiration for Haaland’s relentless pressing style, describing it as crucial to both offensive and defensive play. He noted that Haaland’s aggressive pressing puts pressure on opponents and helps City’s defensive players support him more effectively. Guardiola stressed that Haaland’s energy and intensity are non-negotiable aspects of his game, even if it doesn’t always result in scoring goals.

The manager highlighted that Haaland’s recent performances including scoring a hat-trick in City’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich, reflect a positive start to the season. Guardiola praised Haaland’s improved physical condition, noting that the striker had dealt with various injuries last season but now appears sharper and more focused. He observed that Haaland has dedicated extra time after training sessions to improve his crosses and ball control.

Previously, these aspects of his game were less consistent due to injury issues. Pep Guardiola emphasized the importance of Haaland’s physical and mental readiness for peak performance attributing part of his improvement to the club’s support system which helps players maintain optimal fitness and performance levels.