Erling Haaland can improve, according to Pep Guardiola, but the Manchester City manager has defended the Norwegian striker from mounting criticism over his performance.
Haaland has scored 30 goals this season and scored 52 goals last season as 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 in the last two seasons as City drew 3-3 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
Haaland’s waiting game was labeled “League Two” standard by former Manchester United captain Roy Keane following a 0-0 draw against Arsenal last month.
Guardiola was asked whether Haaland needed to improve to win the Ballon d’Or, the annual award given to the best player in the world.
But the City manager was quick to point out Haaland’s record of titles in less than two years in Manchester.
City have already won the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup this season and continue to fight to defend the treble.
“He needs to play more minutes, to learn from what you have to do,” Guardiola said in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Luton.
“But the objective is not the Ballon d’Or, the objective is to win trophies and he achieved it. Would we have won five trophies last year without him?
“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 that he needs a rest.
Guardiola admitted his team had looked tired in recent weeks, having already played 49 games this season.
The English champions could have 13 more games to play if they advance to the Champions League and FA Cup finals.
But Guardiola said his rotation options had been hampered by injuries suffered by defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker on international duty with England last month.
“Look at our games and you understand. It’s simple. He (Rodri) is very important for the quality he gives us. But if you have a player who doesn’t want to play, he won’t play.” added Guardiola.
“I also need to rest the defenders, but in friendly games (Stones and Walker) got injured and can’t rest.
“I had the feeling that we were tired in the last few games. Tomorrow we will decide what we have to do.”
An important player returning from injury is goalkeeper Ederson.
The Brazilian has missed the last five games with a thigh problem but was left on the bench against Real Madrid in midweek, raising doubts over whether Stefan Ortega would be Guardiola’s new number one.
“Eddie is the first choice,” said Guardiola.
“He was ready to play against Real Madrid. He is ready for tomorrow and we will make the decision.”
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