Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commends Erling Haaland and described him as an exceptional player whose humility and team-first attitude make him almost impossible to find in modern football.
Speaking ahead of City’s upcoming fixture, Guardiola shed light on why the Norwegian striker stands out, both as a leader and as a vital part of his system.
During the summer, the City boss appointed Haaland as one of his captains for the new season — a decision he said was influenced not only by Haaland’s on-field brilliance but also by his influence within the dressing room.
Guardiola, who has managed some of football’s greatest names, said there are few players anywhere in the world who combine world-class quality with genuine selflessness.
“It’s difficult to find a real world-class player who is incredibly humble and thinking what is best for the team,” said Guardiola.
“I know he wants to score goals, but I have the feeling he always wants what is best for the team. And that is difficult to find.”
Guardiola’s admiration for Haaland goes far beyond the striker’s record-breaking goal tally.
Since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, the 25-year-old has transformed City’s attacking play, but his manager believes it is his attitude that truly sets him apart.
“He has this ability, talent, kindness, whatever you want to say,” Guardiola continued. “Of course he has to score goals, that’s the best way to help us, that is perfectly clear, but he signed a contract for 10 years and he is involved in many things. We will be there.”
The long-term vision Guardiola referred to reflects the deep trust between player and club. Haaland’s influence extends off the pitch, where his work ethic and positive spirit have earned the respect of senior teammates and young players alike.
The Norwegian’s humility — despite being one of the most recognisable figures in world football — mirrors the culture Guardiola has built at Manchester City: a blend of collective focus, relentless professionalism, and an unselfish drive to win.
Guardiola also spoke about the importance of managing Haaland’s physical demands in a season packed with domestic and European fixtures.
While Haaland’s goalscoring exploits often grab headlines, Guardiola highlighted another aspect of his contribution — his presence in defensive situations and his growing leadership on the field.
“His presence in the set pieces, he is so tall, aggressive and supports us defensively,” said Pep.
“We try to allow him to run as less as possible and the effort because he is so big he cannot play every three days and make the big actions for 30/40 metres — I don’t want that.”
For Guardiola, protecting Haaland from fatigue and injury is essential to City’s long-term success.
The Catalan coach has often emphasised control and possession as key elements of his team’s style, allowing them to manage the physical toll of an intense football calendar.
The idea, he explained, is not only to maintain dominance on the pitch but to ensure that players like Haaland can perform at their best across an entire season.
“If we control the ball through the passes for 11 months, we handle those games we survive,” he said. “Less injuries and everything. That’s how it’s possible to help us. And he is helping us.”
Pep Guardiola commends Erling Haaland as he tries to maintain between allowing his players creative freedom and protecting them from burnout.
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Haaland, whose athleticism and physical strength are among his biggest assets, has adapted well to Guardiola’s system — one that prizes tactical intelligence and ball circulation over constant high-intensity running.
It is this evolution, Guardiola believes, that makes Haaland such a key component in City’s quest for sustained success.
From helping the team defend set pieces to leading the press and providing an outlet up front, the Norwegian’s versatility continues to grow.
His understanding of when to conserve energy and when to explode into action has been refined under Guardiola’s guidance.
