Pep Guardiola was about red-hot Manchester City forward Erling Haaland after the Norwegian returned to the Premier League to bag a brace against Everton on Saturday.
His answer was of course to praise Haaland, who has 11 goals in eight Premier League games, but Guardiola issued a rebuke of his other forwards’ finishing skills amid jokes about Haaland not scoring five goals against the Toffees.
Haaland scored a hat trick on international duty for Norway versus Israel this week, and added two more goals to his haul as he continues his race to become the fastest Premier League player to 100 goals.
MORE — Man City vs Everton recap, video highlights
He scored with his head and left peg on Saturday as Man City and their star striker labored a bit before bagging quickfire goals around the hour mark.
Guardiola had plenty to say after City returned from the break and found their footing ahead of two tricky away matches at Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday and to Aston Villa on Sunday, October 26.
Pep Guardiola reaction as Erling Haaland stays red hot, Manchester City blank Everton
Thoughts on the game? “After the international break, the first 15-20 minutes we were not there with the second balls and we lacked energy. It was good, we had chances. We take it and it was a really positive thing that people came from the bench and the energy was there. it’s better to improve, winning games.
What was the challenge in breaking down Everton? “That is a good team. Look at the table where they are. Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, and Beto are so strong on the long balls and the experience of Tarkowski. That is a good team and we knew it. Our process in the first half was not perfect.
On Erling Haaland: “I’m so disappointed he did not score four or five goals. As a team we have to know we cannot rely completely on him. Always he’s there but we need other guys — wingers and attacking midfielders have to score goals or it’s not possible to achieve our goals.”
“They need to make a step up to score goals. Of course we have to provide Haaland the chances to score goals, but we need the other players to step. At that level, they have to demand from themselves. The chances from Savio, Jeremy, Tijjani as well. We have to do it or it will become more difficult.”
“Always him. He lives for that. He gives us a lot. Our construction is much better. The delivery of the passes is much better and Erling is our key man right now.”
On Nico O’Reilly: “He’s young, playing lots of minutes, his physicality. Really good. He’s a tall guy who can move a little bit in small spaces. The first goal proved it, the pass was perfect.”
