Pep Guardiola sends warning to Premier League about Erling Haaland
- Guardiola has insisted that Haaland is 'even fitter' than before
- The striker enjoyed a record-breaking season at Man City in 2022/23
- Club continues pre-season tour in Japan & South Korea
Pep Guardiola has sent a warning to Premier League clubs about Erling Haaland, stating that he is now fitter than he was last summer ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Norwegian forward signed for Manchester City a year ago and went on to enjoy a record-breaking maiden season at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland smashed the record for most Premier League goals in a single season, and the record for most goals scored by a player from an English club in a UEFA Champions League season, to help guide City to their first ever treble.
Haaland has continued that form into pre-season this July too, bagging two goals off the bench in City's first pre-season friendly - a 5-3 win over Yokohama F. Marinos - and, speaking after that game, Guardiola told the press that he believes his star striker is in top condition.
"Comparing to last season, in that period, he is fitter. I know we would love for this to be like last season," the City boss said.
"He looks good, but he is still a way from the best condition, like everyone. What’s important is [getting] the rhythm and the principles. We know exactly what he has to do, we know him, and in a few weeks, we will be better condition than now."
READ THE LATEST MAN CITY NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed
Another one of Guardiola's star men, Kevin De Bruyne, did not play in the friendly due to a hamstring injury suffered a number of months ago.
"He feels much, much better. I don't know about the games, because of course he has to train [beforehand]. But he is so close. He is coming back soon," Guardiola explained.
Manchester City's next pre-season friendly is a repeat of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich on 26 July in Tokyo.
LISTEN NOW TO 90MIN'S TALKING TRANSFERS PODCAST
On this week's edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Liverpool's plans to replace Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, Crystal Palace holding firm on Cheick Doucoure, Newcastle's move for Harvey Barnes and Allan Saint-Maximin's imminent Saudi exit, Man Utd, Aston Villa, West Ham & more!
If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!