Erling Haaland has claimed that no one mentions how many touches the Manchester City striker has made if he scores, with the Norwegian stating that even if he netted nine goals in a game, 10 would be his target.
Despite a record 52 goals last season and leading the Premier League chart with 25 this term, Haaland has come under scrutiny for a low touch-count during matches.
Speaking to the Men in Blazers podcast, Haaland addressed this. “There has always been this discussion on how many times I should touch the ball. When I score nobody talks about this but when I don’t people start to mention my touches,” he said. “This is a part of my life, how people will speak and I can’t control what people say about me.
“I just have to focus on what I should do on the pitch and my job isn’t to be like Rodri, to control a game, it’s being in the box and finishing the attacks. That’s my focus and I don’t care about what people say.
“It’s focusing on helping the team win. In the end you can play football without touching the ball, even if it sounds funny for some to hear that. You can do it with movements, the mental part, and the awareness. It’s a huge part of the game. It’s not only about touching the ball. Of course you have to touch the ball but I know my role in this team.”
Haaland was unhappy when being taken off after scoring four goals in last Saturday’s 5-1 win over Wolves. While this was not because of missing the chance to score even more he has admitted to always wanting to.
“I was mad for something completely different. I was super happy because Julián [Álvarez] came on and scored. I’d love to score more goals but I wasn’t mad about getting subbed off,” he said. “Think of it: if I score nine in a game, yeah? It’s good. But imagine 10. It’s better, no? Everyone agrees with me.”
The 23-year-old believes he can become better. “Obviously I’m still developing. I’m still the same player but I’m a better version of myself,” said Haaland. “I’m in the perfect place because I’m still young and I’ve got Pep [Guardiola, manager] who is in charge of me. I’m doing well and enjoying it. I’m happy.
“There are a lot of tactical things to get into when you join a Pep Guardiola team. It’s not easy – he always comes up with something new so you have to adapt and learn new things. I’m developing this side good and the physical condition is getting better.”
Haaland named another athlete he would like to experience being. “Michael Jordan [basketball player],” he said. “To be him would be interesting because his mentality is next level.”
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May 10, 2024 at 10:12PM
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Erling Haaland hits back at increased scrutiny over low touch-count in games - The Guardian
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