MY ACCOUNT
Erling Haaland is “destined to be one of the best players in the world” ahead of an anticipated move to Manchester City, says Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch.
A move to the Premier League champions for the Borussia Dortmund striker at the end of the season will reportedly be confirmed this week, ending a prolonged saga of speculation over his future.
Marsch has first-hand experience of working with Haaland, having previously coached the Norway international – who was coincidentally born in Leeds – during their time together at Salzburg.
Speaking ahead of the Whites’ clash with Chelsea on Wednesday, the American coach predicted bigger things are to come from Haaland and joked that he should have gone to Elland Road instead.
“Erling Haaland is destined to be one of the best players in the world,” Marsch told his pre-match media conference. “It’s his quality, but it is also his talent.
“I wish he was coming back home to Leeds… but I understand the decision for him to go to Man City.
“It will be interesting. He’s an explosive player in transition and Man City often play a lot in possession. He can play any style of play.
“Certainly, I believe it makes Man City – one of, if not the best team in the world – even better. So credit to them for getting that done.
“I always wish the best for Erling, he’s an incredible human being.”
Marsch also commented on the tough run his own side now faces to survive in the Premier League, with Leeds’ destiny effectively out of their own hands.
Everton are a point ahead with a game in hand while Burnley are level on points, albeit with a vastly superior goal difference, and need only to match the results of their rivals to survive.
“We knew coming into these three matches with City, Arsenal and Chelsea that it was going to be very, very difficult to pick up points,” Marsch added.
“So it’s proved to be that, just like we knew it was, and we still have so much to play for. So our focus is really on controlling every moment and being prepared for every moment.
“Credit to Burnley and Everton. In a difficult moment they’ve also fought for their lives and done whatever’s possible to claw their way back into this situation, and we’ll do the same.”
