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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland spoke about his form and relationship with Pep Guardiola ahead of the Liverpool game
Erling Haaland has never felt better as he closes in on another Premier League record.
Pep Guardiola will celebrate his 1,000th game as a manager on Sunday against Liverpool but by full-time Haaland could have stolen the headlines. With 27 goals already in 17 appearances for club and country this season, the City striker needs just two more in the Premier League to break 100.
Haaland has 16 games to get those two goals to replace Alan Shearer as the fastest centurion, and will be the focal point of a City attack that has scored seven at the Etihad since last Sunday. While it takes a lot of effort to keep him at the top of his game, the 25-year-old has never felt better ahead of the visit of champions Liverpool.
“It’s been a good start, and I feel really good. I feel this is the best version of myself," he said. "I’ve never felt better than now.
"To keep sharp, I need to keep my mind in the right place, I need to recover well, I need to get a lot of treatment, I need to eat the right things. I connect when I have to connect on the pitch and relax as much as I can when I’m at home.
"It’s staying in the zone and having that balance. It’s about maintaining the energy levels, being motivated and doing the things that are good for my body and for my brain.”
Haaland has been the spearhead of a City team that is improving under Guardiola as they look to put their demons from last season behind them. Liverpool represent one of their biggest tests, and a chance to get some revenge for losing home and away to Arne Slot's side in their most recent meetings.
City's No.9 has taken on extra leadership responsibilities this season and continues to learn from Guardiola as the Blues look to make a statement of intent on Sunday.
“Since I came to City, he’s been helping me with movements and trying to get into situations where I can score goals. It’s Pep Guardiola – he’s a genius," he said.
"So far, it’s been a good journey! There’s a reason why he’s been winning so much – because of his dedication and the hard work. Just look at everything he has done for this club and in his career – it’s fantastic.
"It’s about working together – we need to listen to him, he tells us what to do and how to play. We need to perform for him because he deserves it.”
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