Guardiola sends out a warning: Haaland is much better than last season

Norwegian needed just three touches to score two goals against Yokohama Marinos

Erling Haaland simply can’t get enough of scoring goals.

The Norwegian has returned from holiday with the same greed as before. Manchester City’s forward made an appearance against Yokohama Marinos, and scored a brace in his first club game since the Champions League final.

The former Molde, Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund man needed just two touches to score. What’s more, he came on at half-time, and within seven minutes had already found the net, much to Pep Guardiola’s delight.

“Compared to this time last year? He’s much fitter than when he arrived. He looks good, but he’s still far from his best, like everyone else,” said the City boss.

Haaland has already scored more goals (2) than he did in the first three games of last pre-season (1).

Guardiola pleased
“The most important thing for him is to score goals because in the last games of last season he didn’t manage to score,” Pep said,

This goes back to the fact that the Norwegian scored just one goal in his last eight games.

Even so, he ended the season with 52 goals in all competitions, 36 in the Premier League, a league record.

“The important thing is the rhythm and the principles we are working on. We know him and in a few weeks we will be in better condition,” Guardiola insisted.