Watch: Guardiola expects more from Haaland ahead of Dortmund reunion

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  • Post published:September 14, 2022

Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday that Erling Haaland will become even more prolific once he gets used to life at Manchester City as the in-form striker prepares for a reunion with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League this week. Watch the Spanish coach’s full pre-match presser here.

Haaland will face his former club on Wednesday for the first time since joining City in a £51 million ($58 million) transfer in the close-season.

That fee already looks a bargain after a blistering start featuring 12 goals from Haaland in just eight appearances for the Premier League champions.

After scoring twice in last week’s rout of Sevilla, the Norwegian has netted 25 times in only 20 Champions League games and he will be looking to add to that remarkable tally when Dortmund arrive at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola is delighted by Haaland’s hot streak, but he warned the rest of Europe that his young star is not at the peak of his powers yet.

“He’s young, hungry, it’s going to happen, he can improve,” Guardiola told reporters.

“He’s 22 and can be better. The connection with his mates, over time, will improve and he will be an even better player.”

City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, another former Dortmund player, has been impressed by Haaland’s attitude as much as his predatory finishing.

“The numbers speak for themselves. “He’s doing great on the pitch but his character, attitude and determination off the pitch is something incredible,” he said.

City are hoping Haaland can prove the final piece of the jigsaw after years of near misses in the Champions League.

“We will see. It will be a very tough competition and little details can decide the outcome,” Gundogan said.