Erling Haaland said missing out on the World Cup was an “irritation and motivation” that drove him “a bit mad” after becoming the first player to score 20 Premier League goals before January by netting twice in Manchester City’s 3-1 win against Leeds at Elland Road.
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, who failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 with Norway, has scored three goals in two games for City since club football resumed following the six-week World Cup shutdown.
By scoring his 20th Premier League goal in only his 14th league appearance for City, Haaland has become the fastest player to hit the 20-goal mark in Premier League history.
And after the win against Leeds — the city of his birth — Haaland said that having to watch the World Cup from home has motivated him to perform even better for City.
“I’ve been at home, a bit mad that I’ve not been at the World Cup,” Haaland said. “I recharged my batteries.
“Watching other people score to win games at the World Cup triggered, motivated and irritated me. I’m more hungry and more ready than ever.
“To be honest, I get really p—-d [when I miss a chance],” Haaland said. “That’s the truth. But when I miss, I want to score even more. That’s the funny thing — when I score one, it’s such a good feeling I want to score another goal, so it’s positive.”
No player has ever scored 40 goals in a Premier League season — Alan Shearer and Andy Cole jointly hold the record with 34 goals in a season — but Haaland is now on course to break that barrier. He added that he has a goal target for the season, but insisted he will keep it private until he reaches it.
“I have a target but I cannot say it,” Haaland said. “I just said inside the dressing room that I could have scored five, but the most important thing is that we won.
“For me, as a striker, I have to score more. I could have scored a couple more, but that’s life and I have to train more.”
Latest Stories
-
Suspect ordered to undergo psychiatric test over murder of father
14 mins -
Gabon’s deposed President Ali Bongo goes on hunger strike
24 mins -
Sarkodie gives fans opportunity to own shares in his music
58 mins -
Driver in court over alleged murder of girlfriend’s daughter
60 mins -
‘There’s no fear’ – EC insists missing BVRs can’t be used to tamper with its system
1 hour -
GAF’s first female Commanding Officer of Transportation Battalion Unit supports alma mater
1 hour -
About 2000 benefit from Telecel Ghana Foundation’s free healthcare in post-rebranding regional tour
2 hours -
Swiss court jails Gambian ex-minister for crimes against humanity
2 hours -
Don’t be TikTok ‘tokes’ – Archbishop Palmer-Buckle tells youth
2 hours -
Palace winger Olise’s agent banned for six months
2 hours -
Failed MP aspirant fulfils campaign promise to provide water for 9 communities
2 hours -
Mawuena Dumor Trebarh to be buried on June 29
2 hours -
Big grammar can’t buy land, but talent can get you that and more – Lil Win
3 hours -
US brothers arrested for stealing $25m in crypto in just 12 seconds
4 hours -
Bawumia’s presidency is possible – Yagbonwura
4 hours