This season, the Norwegian striker has managed to score just 21 goals, a relatively low tally by his standards.
His recent goal for City against Everton, ending a 10-game goal drought, marked his first goal since November 25.
This dry spell was partly attributed to an injury that sidelined him for over a month. Nevertheless, his four-game scoreless streak during this period was considered uncommon given his typically high standards.
Addressing the situation before City’s Champions League fixture against FC Copenhagen, the manager emphasized that his comments were not solely directed at Erling Haaland but encompassed broader concerns.
He underscored Haaland’s mental resilience and relentless drive to score goals, regardless of setbacks.
While Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess is evident, his age reflects in the statistical comparison with football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At 23 years old, Haaland has scored 40 goals in the Champions League, whereas Messi and Ronaldo had tallied 140 and 129 goals, respectively, at the same age.
However, there is optimism surrounding Haaland’s potential to surpass these iconic players, given his youth and time for further development.
Remarkably, he had already amassed 38 Champions League goals before turning 24 in June 2021, outpacing Messi’s tally at a similar age. Ronaldo, who had already turned 24, had scored only 16 goals in the Champions League by the end of the 2008-09 season.
With Haaland not turning 24 until July, there remains ample opportunity for him to enhance his remarkable record, especially if City progresses to another European final.
This prospect presents numerous chances for Haaland to further solidify his status as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Champions League history.
