Pep Guardiola joked about Erling Haaland after the Norwegian scored twice in Manchester City’s 2–0 victory over Everton on Saturday.
Haaland’s prolific form continued as he reached 14 goals for City this season across all competitions, including 11 in the Premier League from just eight appearances.
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After missing much of last season through injury, the 25-year-old has returned in devastating fashion already netting over 20 goals for club and country this campaign.
His quickfire double near the hour mark sealed the win at the Etihad, lifting City to second in the table.
During the international break, Haaland had also hit a hat-trick in Norway’s 5–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Israel.
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Speaking to BBC Sport, Guardiola made light of Haaland’s performance, saying: “Disappointed he did not score four or five. All jokes aside, really pleased but we cannot rely on just him, we need other players.”
He urged City’s attackers to take more responsibility in front of goal: “Wingers, attacking midfielders they have to make a step up and score. The chances were clear and they have to demand themselves. Savinho, Jeremy [Doku], Tijjani [Reijnders] they have to score.”
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Guardiola added on the team’s display: “Typical first half after the international break. We were not able to control the second balls. Everton and David Moyes are doing an incredible job. When we broke it, we started to play better.”
Now in his ninth season at City, Guardiola dismissed suggestions of fatigue despite calls from former staff like Carles Planchart to move on. The Spaniard insists he still has “energy” and “unfinished business” with the club as they rebuild from their treble-winning era.
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City face a demanding run of six games in under three weeks, starting with a Champions League trip to Villarreal before Premier League clashes with Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Liverpool plus a European meeting with Borussia Dortmund.
Guardiola reiterated the need for others to ease Haaland’s burden up front, with the likes of Doku, Phil Foden, and Omar Marmoush expected to share the scoring load.
