Erling Haaland makes revealing Liverpool admission and explains explosive Man City form
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCProlific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been speaking before today's massive Premier League match with Liverpool at the EtihadErling Haaland feels he is in the best shape he has ever been after making a stunning start to the campaign. And the prolific Manchester City striker admits today's opponents Liverpool help him push him and his team-mates to new heights.The Norway international has plundered 27 goals in just 17 appearances for club and country this season.
Even by the 25-year-old's own high standards – he has netted 142 times in 160 games overall for City since signing in 2022 – the numbers he is posting this term are extraordinary.And Haaland said: "It's been a good start and I feel really good. I've never felt better than now.READ MORE: Liverpool line-ups vs Man City as Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike calls made and formation changedREAD MORE: Liverpool can't avoid Arsenal opportunity as Arne Slot aims to spoil Pep Guardiola party"To keep sharp, I need to keep my mind in the right place, I need to recover well, I need to get a lot of treatment, I need to eat the right things."It's staying in the zone and having that balance.
It's about maintaining the energy levels, being motivated and doing the things that are good for my body and for my brain."Haaland will be hoping to add to his tally as City host champions Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.The match will be the 1,000th of much-decorated manager Pep Guardiola's career and Haaland has no doubt the Spaniard has enhanced his game.He said: "Since I came to City he's been helping me with movements and trying to get into situations where I can score goals."It's Pep Guardiola – he's a genius. So far, it's been a good journey!"There's a reason why he's been winning so much, because of his dedication and the hard work."Sunday's contest is important for both sides as they look to keep the pressure on current Premier League leaders Arsenal, who dropped points for the first time since September after they conceded an injury-time equaliser to draw 2-2 at surprise package Sunderland on Saturday."We need to be ready because it's not going to be an easy game," said Haaland, who is two goals short of a century in the Premier League."The competition between Man City and Liverpool has been amazing in previous years – pushing each other to get better and fighting for the title."It's going to be a difficult game, and we need to be at our best."Haaland won the title in each of his first two seasons with City before they finished third behind Arsenal and winners Liverpool last time out.The Gunners currently sit seven points above Guardiola's third-placed side and eight points above the sixth-placed Reds, having played one match more.