Erling Haaland has urged Manchester City to “step up” if they are to battle for trophies this season, speaking after their 3-2 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
The Blues edged out the German side with Haaland as the matchwinner, after the home side had twice pegged City back. City showed character to respond and grind out the win that moved them into the top eight of the League Phase table.
Haaland calls for more intensity
Despite the victory, Haaland wants to see more from City. “I think we need to step up a bit, when we were 1-0 up I think we needed to go at it, go for the second goal and then the third - that's what we have to do. We have to work on that,” he said, speaking to TNT Sports.
Asked what improvements needed to be made, the striker added: “Keeping the ball, when to keep it when to go, working together offensively and defensively. You can always be better and there's always a new chance. A new game in three days so that's lovely.”
Premier League return
City return to Premier League action this weekend when they visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday teatime. That will be a return to the City Ground for Elliot Anderson, who joined City in the summer, and Haaland has been impressed with how the midfielder has hit the ground running at the Etihad, including setting up his winner in Leipzig.
“He has been amazing, he has had an amazing start to his City career and that is what you expect,” said Haaland. “You have to come straight in and perform. It is not easy to come in, you need to adapt and new players and a new coach, so he has been impressive. Respect.”
