Under fire Haaland can get better: Guardiola

Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland. Photo: BBCSports

Erling Haaland has room for improvement according to Pep Guardiola, but the Manchester City boss defended the Norway striker from mounting criticism over his performances.

Haaland has netted 30 times this season and scored 52 goals last term when City won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

However, the 23-year-old failed to score for the third time against Real Madrid over the past two seasons in City’s 3-3 draw in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

Haaland’s hold up play was labelled “League Two” standard by former Manchester United captain Roy Keane after a 0-0 draw against Arsenal last month.

Guardiola was quizzed on whether Haaland needed to improve if he is to win the Ballon d’Or, the annual award given to the world’s best player.

But the City manager was quick to point to Haaland’s record of silverware in less than two years in Manchester.

City have already won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup this season and remain in contention to defend their treble.

“He needs to play more minutes, to learn from what you have to do,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Luton.

“But the target is not the Ballon d’Or, the target is to win trophies and he did. Would we have won five trophies last year without him? Not a chance.

“It’s not about Erling or any other player. Until you retire, you can be better.”

City’s quest for another treble has taken its toll with key midfielder Rodri admitting this week he is in need of a rest.

Guardiola conceded his side have looked jaded in recent weeks after already playing 49 games this season.

The English champions could have a further 13 matches to play