Audio By Carbonatix
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he spoke to Erling Haaland during the summer about "some things" he "didn't like" - but urged the striker to keep "pressing like an animal".
Haaland has been the Premier League's top scorer in his first two seasons with City, with 36 league goals as they won the Treble in 2022-23.
The Norwegian scored 27 times in the top flight last season as City won an unprecedented fourth straight league title - a goals return Guardiola said was "fine".
Asked what he discussed with Haaland over the summer, Guardiola said: "I like when he runs a lot. I like when he presses like an animal. I like it. It helps to score a goal.
"When you are connected defensively, you are connected offensively.
"His body language - imagine a central defender has the ball and he makes a sprint with this body and legs moving. It's scary."
Guardiola said Haaland closing down opponents means "the people in the middle and back [can] support him. And we are more effective in our high pressing".
The manager added: "This is not negotiable. If you don't score a goal, it's fine. But you need to do it."
Haaland has made a positive start to the new season. The 24-year-old scored his 10th hat-trick for City during Saturday's 4-1 win over Ipswich, giving him four goals from two games.
"He feels good," said Guardiola. "Last season always he had problems in the hips, in the ankles, in the knee.
"This season of course he takes care of himself with the physios really well, but I had the feeling that he is sharper.
"After training sessions he stays longer to practise the crosses and controls. Last season it never happened because he was not perfect.
"With his body, he has to be perfect to perform at that level.
"That's why you have an incredible organisation to help the players to be as comfortable to perform at their best."
Latest Stories
-
Development Bank Ghana marks five years of catalyzing private sector growth
12 seconds -
Afari Hospital: Only $500,000 in arrears needed for completion; demand for $85m criminal—Minority
5 minutes -
Mahama gov’t paying itself while Akufo-Addo staff remain unpaid – Kow Essuman
9 minutes -
Kow Essuman accuses Kwakye Ofosu of misleading public on Presidential salaries
12 minutes -
BoG urges banks to support agriculture and productive sectors
14 minutes -
2026 World Cup: Chief Imam urges national prayers for Black Stars ahead of Panama opener
14 minutes -
Ofori-Atta yet to be notified of any criminal charges in Ghana – Frank Davies
16 minutes -
Chief Imam calls for national prayers and support for Black Stars at the FIFA World Cup 2026
18 minutes -
Ashanti Regional Minister inspects flood hotspots at KNUST, vows crackdown on encroachment
20 minutes -
GPRTU eyes cashless transport system to curb armed robbery attacks on drivers
27 minutes -
Green Card decision does not invalidate charges against Ofori-Atta — OSP
36 minutes -
Minority blames NDC for delays in Afari Military Hospital project
41 minutes -
Gov’t processing UTAG book and research allowance payments, no strike expected – Haruna Iddrisu
43 minutes -
‘It’s up to Ghanaian authorities to explore options’ – Ofori-Atta’s lawyer says after US residency
45 minutes -
Banking sector strong but credit risks remain – BoG Governor warns
45 minutes