I like it when Haaland presses like an animal - Guardiola

Manchester City leader Pep Guardiola says he said to Erling Haaland during nan summertime astir "some things" he "didn't like" - but urged nan striker to support "pressing for illustration an animal".

Haaland has been nan Premier League's apical scorer successful his first 2 seasons pinch City, pinch 36 convention goals arsenic they won nan Treble successful 2022-23.

The Norwegian scored 27 times successful nan apical formation past play arsenic City won an unprecedented 4th consecutive convention title - a goals return Guardiola said was "fine".

Asked what he discussed pinch Haaland complete nan summer, Guardiola said: "I for illustration erstwhile he runs a lot. I for illustration erstwhile he presses for illustration an animal. I for illustration it. It helps to people a goal.

"When you are connected defensively, you are connected offensively.

"His assemblage connection - ideate a cardinal defender has nan shot and he makes a sprint pinch this assemblage and legs moving. It's scary."

Guardiola said Haaland closing down opponents intends "the group successful nan mediate and backmost [can] support him. And we are much effective successful our precocious pressing".

The head added: "This is not negotiable. If you don't people a goal, it's fine. But you request to do it."

Haaland has made a affirmative commencement to nan caller season. The 24-year-old scored his 10th hat-trick for City during Saturday's 4-1 triumph complete Ipswich, giving him 4 goals from 2 games.

"He feels good," said Guardiola. "Last play ever he had problems successful nan hips, successful nan ankles, successful nan knee.

"This play of people he takes attraction of himself pinch nan physios really well, but I had nan emotion that he is sharper.

"After training sessions he stays longer to practise nan crosses and controls. Last play it ne'er happened because he was not perfect.

"With his body, he has to beryllium cleanable to execute astatine that level.

"That's why you person an unthinkable organisation to thief nan players to beryllium arsenic comfortable to execute astatine their best."