It's scary – Pep Guardiola wants Erling Haaland to put pressure on teams “like an animal”

Pep Guardiola told Manchester City sharpshooter Erling Haaland during summer talks that he must press “like an animal” and scare his opponents with his movements.

The 24-year-old Norwegian international has won the Premier League Golden Boot in both seasons at the Etihad Stadium, but his performance and goalscoring tally have dipped in his second season.

Guardiola said Haaland had complained of feeling “tired” and “a bit drained” after his debut season, in which he won the treble, but the City striker had returned refreshed after a restful summer.

Haaland cut a strong figure as he scored his tenth hat-trick in sky blue in the 4-1 comeback win over Ipswich on Saturday, taking his total to 94 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

“He feels good,” said coach Guardiola. “Last season he always had problems with his hip, ankle and knee.”

“This season he is obviously taking really good care of himself with the physios, but I had the feeling that he was fitter.

“After training sessions, he stays longer to practice crossing and ball control. Last season, he never got around to it because he wasn't perfect.”

“To play at this level, your body has to be perfect. That's why there is an incredible organization that helps players feel comfortable enough to perform at their best.”

Haaland still scored 27 goals in the top flight in the 2023/24 season and City won an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title. Guardiola said: “Last season was good.”

The comment is emblematic of the demanding and meticulous approach that led the manager to speak to the striker about “some things” he “didn’t like” during City’s pre-season tour of the United States.

When asked, Guardiola said: “I like it when he runs a lot. I like it when he puts pressure on like an animal. I like that. That helps to score a goal.”

“If you’re connected on defense, you’re connected on offense.

“If you're not there defensively and then you run and the ball surprises you, you're not precise. This mix helps us know exactly what to do.”

“His body language – imagine a centre-back with the ball and sprinting, body and legs moving. It's scary.”

“And it helps us to have people in the middle and at the back supporting him. And we are more effective with our high pressing.”

“And we need him. That's non-negotiable. If you don't score a goal, that's okay. But you have to do it.”

When asked if he wanted Haaland to be more involved in the build-up play, the City boss replied: “Yes, especially when we team up with him, he needs to control the ball better.

“But we are working with him on it. Hopefully he can do it.”