Pep Guardiola has backed Erling Haaland as the leading striker in world football, placing him “a little bit above” Liverpool’s new signing Alexander Isak.
Isak is set to make his Liverpool debut away to Burnley on Sunday, 14 September, after completing a British-record £125 million move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day. His manager Arne Slot described the Sweden international as “maybe the best striker in the world” following his first training sessions with the Premier League champions.
That verdict did not sit well with Manchester City’s boss. Asked to compare the two, Guardiola was unequivocal in his support for Haaland.
“A little bit above,” Guardiola said of the Norwegian. “Isak is an exceptional player. You asked me about Erling and he is top. I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him, I like him.”
Haaland has scored 88 goals in 100 Premier League appearances since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, playing a central role in City’s two league titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Isak’s own record is strong, with 54 goals in 86 league matches for Newcastle since signing from Real Sociedad in 2022. He also helped end the Magpies’ 56-year wait for silverware by lifting the League Cup last season.
City’s weekend focus is the Manchester derby, with Guardiola needing Haaland at his sharpest after back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Brighton. The Spaniard admitted his side are still finding their rhythm after a summer of changes.
“When you change 10 players in four or five months everything needs to be settled, fixed and consistent,” he said. “We are still doing many good things but need to be more consistent. Step by step we will do it.”
One of the biggest changes has been in goal. Ederson left for Fenerbahce after eight years at the Etihad, with Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma arriving from Paris Saint-Germain as his replacement.
While Ederson was renowned for his distribution, Guardiola said Donnarumma would be judged on his own strengths.
“I always try to adapt to the quality of the players. I wouldn’t demand Gigi do something he is uncomfortable with,” Guardiola explained. “We didn’t take Gigi to do what Ederson has done. Gigi has another quality. He is so tall, he is so huge.
“All keepers save shots, bring personality to the team and be a big presence. He has done that in the biggest games.”
Guardiola has yet to confirm whether Donnarumma or James Trafford will start in goal against United on Sunday.
