Pep Guardiola, head coach of Manchester City, has described Norway international, Erling Braut Haaland, as the “best striker in the world”.
The Spaniard’s statement is coming ahead of the Premier League clash of the titans between his side and reigning English Kings, Liverpool, on Sunday evening.
Manchester City will travel to Anfield for the top flight game against Arne Slot’s Liverpool on Sunday 8 February, 2026; the match is scheduled to kick off at 17:30 (WAT).
The Cityzens and the Reds are heading into the clash after both recorded beautiful victories over Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United; Slot guided Liverpool to a fine 4-1 comeback win over the Magpies in the Premier League, and then passed the Toon Army to Etihad Stadium, where they got crushed 3-1 by City in the EFL Cup 2025/26 semi final second leg match.
Following the win over Newcastle United, the Cityzens will now face Arsenal, who beat Chelsea by a lone goal in the EFL Cup semi final second leg, in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 22 March, 2026.
Om injuries plaguing his team, Guardiola said, Bernardo Silva fielding for City against the Reds remains doubtful; and on Ruben Dias, he said, the Portuguese defender, has returned to the sqaud, but, unsure if he will be able to play full time.
On John Stones, Guardiola said, the defender is gradually “coming back”.
According to Manchester City, at his pre-Liverpool press conference, Guardiola said:
On injuries…
“[Bernardo] I don’t know yet, tomorrow training.
“[Ruben Dias] He’s back, we’ll see if he plays minutes, but it’s good news for us.
“John [Stones] had his first training session back with the team yesterday. Step by step he is coming back.”
On Norway striker, Haaland…
“Erling [Haaland] is the best striker in the world.”
On Premier League 2025/26 title hopes…
“14 games is a lot in the Premier League, a lot can happen… In the Premier League last year, we were miles away from Liverpool, let’s see what happens until the end.”
On whether he is impressed with Marc Guehi…
“A lot… He’s a great, great, great player, you can smell it, a great signing for five, six, seven years. He’s top. He lives to be a good central defender.”
Currently, Manchester City are heading into the game as second on the table with forty-seven (47) points, while, Liverpool are sixth with thirty-nine (39) points.
