Erling Haaland has addressed criticisms about his low touch-count during matches, emphasizing his primary focus on scoring goals to contribute to his team’s success.
Despite recording an impressive tally of 52 goals last season and leading the Premier League with 25 goals currently, Haaland acknowledges the persistent scrutiny surrounding his involvement in the game.
Speaking on the Men in Blazers show, Haaland expressed his frustration with the constant scrutiny over his touches on the ball, noting that the narrative shifts when he scores compared to when he doesn’t.
However, he remains resolute in his approach, prioritizing his role as a goal scorer rather than a playmaker like Rodri.
Haaland highlights the importance of his role within the team, emphasizing his responsibility to be in the box and convert chances into goals.
He dismisses the notion that touching the ball frequently is the sole measure of effectiveness on the field, emphasizing the significance of other factors such as positioning, awareness, and contribution to the team’s overall strategy.
Despite his individual success, Haaland maintains a team-first mentality, expressing satisfaction when his replacement, Julián Álvarez, scored after he was substituted off in a recent match against Wolves.
He reflects on the notion of always striving for improvement, even after scoring multiple goals in a game, highlighting his relentless pursuit of excellence.
At just 23 years old, Haaland acknowledges that he is still developing as a player but expresses gratitude for the guidance of his manager, Pep Guardiola.
He credits Guardiola’s coaching for his continued growth and improvement, recognizing the opportunity to learn and evolve under his mentorship.
Drawing inspiration from basketball legend Michael Jordan, Haaland aspires to emulate his mindset and approach to the game, aiming for greatness beyond just on-field performance.
He acknowledges the challenges of adapting to Guardiola’s tactics and constantly evolving strategies but remains optimistic about his progress and future prospects.
As Guardiola prepares his team for their upcoming match against Fulham, Haaland reflects on the importance of preparation and adaptation to varying playing conditions, highlighting the meticulous approach taken by his manager in ensuring the team is ready for any scenario.
