Pep Guardiola with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland (Agency Photos)

NEW DELHI: Manchester City forward Erling Haaland is on the cusp of another Premier League milestone, but Pep Guardiola believes the Norwegian striker is just getting started.
Ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Brighton, Guardiola heaped praise on Haaland’s remarkable output since arriving in England, while challenging him to reach even greater heights.
“I’ve been with Messi,” Guardiola said, when asked what Haaland does on the pitch that he’s never seen before.
“But it’s incredible what Erling has done. And I want more. I want more for Erling.”
Haaland, who has netted 28 goals in 38 appearances across competitions this season, could notch 100 Premier League goal involvements in just his 94th appearance — an astounding strike rate.
Despite the striker drawing a rare blank in City’s recent 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Guardiola sees no cause for concern. Instead, he framed the moment as a reminder of Haaland’s importance in the club’s final run-in.
“He has to help us more and more to achieve what we want to do this season,” Guardiola added. “But the numbers are unbelievable since he arrived… hopefully he can reach that little record tomorrow.”
City, who trail Liverpool in the title race, are focused on securing Champions League qualification with 10 league games to go. Guardiola acknowledged a dip in performance levels compared to previous title-winning campaigns, attributing it to the fierce competition across the league.
“We helped raise the bar in the Premier League,” he said. “Now, every team is organised, structured, with good players and good ideas. Every game is tough.”
Despite describing the season as “not good,” Guardiola urged fans to rally behind the squad during the crucial final stretch.
“Ten games, two months. Still we can survive and be there. With energy and positivity, we can still achieve something.”
As the title slips further from reach, Guardiola is counting on his No. 9 to once again defy the limits.