Manchester City: Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is putting pressure on himself to score

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland puts “pressure on himself” to score constantly because he “desperately wants to help the team”.

The Norway international has been prolific for City since joining them from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £52.1m.

He scored 52 goals in all competitions in his first season as City won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble.

The 25-year-old has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season and is the Premier League’s top scorer, but entered Sunday’s match against Liverpool with just two goals in his previous 10 appearances.

However, he scored a penalty in the 93rd minute to complete the 2-1 comeback and keep City in the Premier League title hunt.

Guardiola said: “He is calm, but he puts pressure on himself. He knows how much we need him.”

“He doesn’t want to leave the team disappointed, which is a big trait.

“I would rather have that than someone who doesn’t care. It’s quite the opposite, he suffers when he doesn’t score a goal.

“Don’t suffer, you do your best. Run with the team and the rest doesn’t matter.”