Erling Haaland prepares to face Liverpool and he declared that he has never felt better in his career ahesd of a high-stakes showdown with the Arne Slot’s side — a match that could see the Norwegian striker etch his name deeper into Premier League history.
Pep Guardiola’s side are chasing momentum as the City boss marks a remarkable milestone of 1,000 games in management on Sunday.
Yet, as has often been the case since Haaland arrived in England, the focus is expected to fall firmly on the prolific forward who continues to break new ground with every touch of the ball.
With 27 goals in just 17 appearances for club and country this season, Haaland is closing in on another record.
The 25-year-old needs just two more Premier League goals to hit the 100 mark — a feat that would make him the fastest player to ever reach that milestone, overtaking Alan Shearer’s long-standing record.
The Norwegian, who has been unstoppable at the Etihad this season, insists he is in the form of his life.
“It’s been a good start, and I feel really good. I feel this is the best version of myself,” Haaland said according to Manchester Evening News
“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.”
City have scored seven goals at home since last Sunday, and their talismanic No.9 looks set to play a central role again when champions Liverpool visit.
Haaland’s relentless drive and preparation have been key to his consistency, with the striker stressing the importance of balance and discipline.
“It’s staying in the zone and having that balance,” he added. “It’s about maintaining the energy levels, being motivated and doing the things that are good for my body and for my brain.”
Guardiola’s Genius and His 1000th Match Record
While Guardiola’s landmark match will attract plenty of attention, the relationship between the manager and his star striker continues to shape City’s success story.
The Spaniard’s tactical mastery has helped refine Haaland’s already devastating skillset, turning him into the focal point of an attack that has terrorised defences across Europe.
Haaland, who has taken on a more vocal leadership role within the squad this season, credits Guardiola for elevating his game both mentally and technically.
“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.
The admiration runs deep. Haaland knows that behind City’s attacking fluency lies Guardiola’s obsessive attention to detail — a quality that has delivered trophy after trophy across his career.
“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,” Haaland continued.
“Just look at everything he has done for this club and in his career – it’s fantastic.”
City’s focus this weekend, however, extends beyond celebrations and records. The Sky Blues still smarting from back-to-back defeats against Liverpool in their most recent meetings, including a bruising loss at the Etihad last season that dented their title run.
Guardiola’s side have since rediscovered their rhythm, blending ruthless efficiency with attacking flair as they look to reassert dominance over their rivals.
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Liverpool, revitalised under Arne Slot, present one of the toughest tests of City’s campaign so far. Yet Haaland’s form — and his unshakable confidence — suggest he is ready for the challenge.
“It’s about working together – we need to listen to him, he tells us what to do and how to play,” the striker said. “We need to perform for him because he deserves it.”
As Man City and Erling Haaland prepares to face Liverpool, these comments will inevitably stirred unease among Liverpool supporters, who know all too well how devastating the Norwegian and his club can be when in full flow.
His physicality, movement, and precision finishing have already rewritten Premier League standards, and the suggestion that he’s only getting better will send shivers down opposition spines.
