Pep Guardiola has insisted Erling Haaland should not put too much pressure on himself to constantly score for Manchester City. The Norwegian striker's stoppage-time penalty against Liverpool on Sunday secured a 2-1 victory, but it was only his third goal in 10 appearances, with just one from open play. Haaland later stated he must improve his output and refused to blame fatigue for his form.
Guardiola praised the 25-year-old's overall contribution, noting he has 28 goals in 36 appearances this season. "We cannot forget he's not 29, 30 years old; he's young and it's part of the process," said Guardiola. "Every season he lives, he's a better player for the next one. How he knows his body better, how he knows what it means to play every day."
The City boss highlighted Haaland's composure in converting the penalty at Anfield. "It's not easy – Anfield, 91, 92 minutes, and the situation that we have, taken there and taken with this composure, his body language, in his eyes there was fire there," he said. Guardiola added that the demanding calendar is likely behind any fatigue or dip in form.
Defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who has started City's last 10 games, was substituted with a suspected concussion against Liverpool but tests cleared him. The 21-year-old will be available for Wednesday's match against Fulham. Guardiola praised Khusanov's intelligence despite his limited English, saying: "He understands what we want and every time he is getting better. He is so intelligent."
