Erling Haaland says he feels in the best shape ever after making an impressive start to the season.
The Manchester City and Norway striker has scored 27 goals in just 17 appearances for club and country this season.
Even by the 25-year-old’s high standards – he has scored 142 goals in 160 appearances overall for City since signing in 2022 – the numbers he is posting this season are extraordinary.
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“It’s been a good start and I feel really good,” Haaland said. “I feel like this is the best version of myself. I’ve never felt better than now.”
“In order to stay sober, I need to keep my mind in the right place, I need to recover well, I need to get a lot of therapy, I need to eat the right things.
“It’s about staying in the zone and getting that balance. It’s about maintaining energy levels and motivation and doing things that are good for my body and mind.”
Haaland hopes to add more to his tally when City host defending champions Liverpool in the English Premier League on Sunday.
The match will be the 1,000th of coach Pep Guardiola’s much-decorated career, and Haaland has no doubt that the Spaniard has upped his game.
He said: “Since I came to City, he’s been helping me with movements and trying to get into positions where I can score goals. He’s Pep Guardiola – he’s a genius. So far, it’s been a good journey!”
“There’s a reason he wins so often, because of his dedication and hard work.”
Sunday’s match is an important one for both sides as they look to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
“We have to be prepared, because it will not be an easy match,” said Haaland, who has two goals remaining before a century in the Premier League.
“The rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool has been amazing in previous years, pushing each other to improve and fighting for the title.
“It will be a difficult match, and we have to be at our best.”
