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Haaland not at his best
Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is not at his best despite the Norwegian’s brace in the victory over Leeds on Wednesday night.
Haaland, 22, became the quickest player to 20 Premier League goals, breaking the record previously held by Kevin Phillips who had managed it in 21 appearances as opposed to the City striker’s 14.
However, the Catalan coach believes the former Borussia Dortmund man could be sharper, even though he has 26 goals in 20 appearances for the Citizens in all competitions.
Guardiola, 51, said: “He misses chances, but the numbers are exceptional.
“He’s an incredible threat for us and always in the right position at the right time, really good.
“I think he is still not at his best because of the injury, to move his huge body is not easy for him, but as much as he can play minutes, [he] will be better.”
Haaland’s foot injury has been a cause for concern for Guardiola and he was quick to point out that he can see physical issues in his game.
He added: “I have the feeling he is not at his best, it is a matter of time. Always an incredible threat for the opponent.
“Of course we are delighted, but that little [bit of extra] pace he had at the beginning of the season, he struggles a little bit.”
A great opportunity
Leicester head coach Brendan Rodgers believes Friday’s clash with Liverpool hands his side a great opportunity to bounce back.
The Foxes lost 3-0 at home to Newcastle on Boxing Day and sit 13th in the table having had a slow start to the season.
An injury to James Maddison has left the East Midlands club without their star man and the lack of creativity was evident against the Magpies.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Merseyside, Rodgers said: “I think the first 20 minutes of a game at Anfield are always very important.
“With the crowd and intensity of which a Liverpool team will want to play, that’s important, that resilience and mentality.
“You need that ability if you do go behind to have that belief. I think in any game of football there are two games — the game itself and before that the game of belief.
“You always believe when you step on to the field, especially against some of the big teams away from home, you need to have that belief and mentality that you can get a result.
“For us, we’ve got a great opportunity, going to a great stadium to play football in and look to see if we can replicate that belief and spirit last time we played.”
