Pep Guardiola Declares Erling Haaland Superior to Alexander Isak Ahead of Manchester Derby
Pep Guardiola has reinforced his belief in Erling Haaland, insisting the Manchester City striker is unmatched in world football. The manager stated he would not trade Haaland for any other player, despite Liverpool boss Arne Slot describing Alexander Isak as “maybe the best striker in the world” following his record-breaking transfer.
Pep Guardiola insists Erling Haaland is the best striker in the world, rejecting comparisons to Alexander Isak ahead of Manchester City’s derby clash.
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Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola explained: “Erling is a little bit above. Isak is an exceptional player. But you asked me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. It’s a game of opinions. Another one would say [Kylian] Mbappe, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo]… I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.”
Haaland has already found the net three times this Premier League season, though he missed key chances during Manchester City’s defeat to Brighton. Despite recent setbacks, the Norwegian striker enters the Manchester derby in prolific form, having scored five goals in one game for his national team against Moldova and a decisive penalty against Finland.
Manchester City will be without Omar Marmoush, who sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Egypt. Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri remain sidelined, and John Stones is doubtful. However, Phil Foden has returned to fitness in time for Sunday’s showdown.
Guardiola acknowledged City’s difficult start to the campaign, their worst in 21 years, which has left them six points behind defending champions Liverpool. With 10 new arrivals integrated over the summer, the City manager admitted consistency remains a work in progress. “At any club there is always changes and when you change 10 players in four five months everything needs to be settled, fixed and consistent,” he said. “We are still doing many good things but we still need to be more consistent than we have been, but step-by-step we will do it.”
