Pep Guardiola has sent a warning to Premier League clubs about Erling Haaland, stating that he is now fitter than he was last summer ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Norwegian forward signed for Manchester City a year ago and went on to enjoy a record-breaking maiden season at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland smashed the record for most Premier League goals in a single season, and the record for most goals scored by a player from an English club in a UEFA Champions League season, to help guide City to their first ever treble.
Haaland has continued that form into pre-season this July too, bagging two goals off the bench in City's first pre-season friendly - a 5-3 win over Yokohama F. Marinos - and, speaking after that game, Guardiola told the press that he believes his star striker is in top condition.
"Comparing to last season, in that period, he is fitter. I know we would love for this to be like last season," the City boss said.
"He looks good, but he is still a way from the best condition, like everyone. What’s important is [getting] the rhythm and the principles. We know exactly what he has to do, we know him, and in a few weeks, we will be better condition than now."
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Another one of Guardiola's star men, Kevin De Bruyne, did not play in the friendly due to a hamstring injury suffered a number of months ago.
"He feels much, much better. I don't know about the games, because of course he has to train [beforehand]. But he is so close. He is coming back soon," Guardiola explained.
Manchester City's next pre-season friendly is a repeat of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich on 26 July in Tokyo.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Pep Guardiola sends warning to Premier League about Erling Haaland.