Pep Guardiola couldn’t help but name-drop Lionel Messi when asked about his new star striker Erling Haaland after Manchester City’s victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.
Haaland scored twice as City won 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after latching onto a ball from Ederson, rounded Robert Sanchez and sent Adam Webster flying before coolly rolling the ball into the net.
His second goal came just before half-time when City were given a penalty after Bernardo Silva was brought down by Lewis Dunk inside the box and Haaland promptly stepped up and powered his shot into the corner of the net.
Leandro Trossard pulled a goal back but Kevin De Bruyne’s vicious strike made the points safe for the home side. City went on to win 3-1.
Post match Guardiola was queried about Haaland and his answer has gone viral. He was asked: “Is Haaland the most complete striker you’ve ever coached?”
Guardiola thought for a second before replying: “And Messi?”
He added: “Absolutely the numbers are incredible and unbelievable. There’s no doubt about his quality. He’s not the best but he’s one of the best for sure.”
Despite openly giving the lad full credit for his brilliance even at his tender age, Guardiola clearly thinks Haaland isn’t on the same level as the Argentine legend, which elicited reactions from numerous fans on social media regarding Guardiola’s obvious admiration for Messi.
Earlier this month, Guardiola had already given his thoughts on the difference between Messi and Haaland.
The interviewer said to Guardiola: “He is different player but when you had Leo Messi, you always expected him to go out and score every game, do you feel that about Erling Haaland?”
Speaking on beIN Sports, Guardiola replied: “The difference is Erling needs maybe all his mates you know to do it but when he arrives… unbelievable.
“Messi had ability for himself to do it.”