Manchester City coach Josep Guardiola said that his Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, has not returned to his best level, even though he scored two goals in the match in which the team beat Leeds United 3-1 in the English Premier League.
And the British news agency “BA Media” reported that Haaland scored two goals in the second half, after Rodri gave Manchester City the lead goal in stoppage time from the first half, and despite the late goal scored by Pascal Stroujic for the Leeds team, there was no doubt that Manchester City will win the match.
So far, the Norwegian striker has scored 26 goals in 20 matches with Manchester City in all competitions since his move this summer from Borussia Dortmund, including 20 goals in 14 Premier League matches.
Guardiola - whose team rose to second place in the standings and reduced the gap between him and leaders Arsenal to 5 points - stated that he "missed opportunities, but the numbers are exceptional."
He added, "He is an amazing threat, he is always in the right places at the right time, he is very good."
He stressed, "I think he did not reach his best levels because of the injury. It is not easy for him to move his huge body, but the more minutes he plays, the better he becomes."
Guardiola said that Halland - who joined from Borussia Dortmund for about $ 63 million last summer - had not fully recovered from the foot injury he suffered in the match that ended in a goalless draw against Dortmund in the Champions League last October.
Guardiola concluded, "I have a feeling that he has not reached his best levels. It is a matter of time. He always poses a great threat to the opponents. I am very satisfied with his performance, but the first half of the season was more decisive. He is improving, an amazing professional player; he takes care of his body and mind."