Erling Haaland is in sensational form this season with 26 goals in just 16 appearances. But Manchester City's star striker insists team success remains his priority as he prepares to face former club Borussia Dortmund in Wednesday's Champions League clash.
The Norwegian goal machine is on pace to break his personal best of 57 goals in a single campaign. However, when asked about records, Haaland was quick to dismiss such talk.
"I am in a good way but I don't think of this. We need to focus on tomorrow and that's how my brain works," Haaland told reporters on Tuesday.
When questioned about potentially chasing Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 260 goals, his response was equally focused. "Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind. I try to help the team win football games. That is my main focus."
The 25-year-old also brushed off comparisons to football legends, saying "no one can get close" to Messi and Ronaldo. His humility comes as no surprise to those who follow him closely.
"I am a Norwegian guy and I shouldn't think I am something because I am scoring goals," he explained. "I am just Erling and this is something that will never change."
International Ambitions and Personal Growth
Beyond club football, Haaland has his sights set on a major career milestone. Norway currently leads their World Cup qualifying group, and a win against Estonia could secure their first appearance since 1998.
"There's big, big few games for us," Haaland said. "The main goal of my career is to take Norway to World Cup, and now I have a good chance to do it."
Off the pitch, becoming a father last December has had a profound impact on the striker. "Suddenly there's someone waking you up every morning," he shared. "It got me even more focused, because I can switch off even more."
Managing Workload Key to Success
City manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the importance of proper workload management for his star striker. "I always try to organize the team to allow him to run as less as possible," Guardiola explained.
"He is so big and cannot play 90 minutes every three days. I always think of playing every three days and manage to control the ball through the passes and can handle the game the way you want to - you survive."
Manchester City currently sit seventh in the Champions League standings with seven points after three games. Their match against Dortmund represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen their position in the competition.
For bettors, Haaland's remarkable consistency makes him a prime candidate for goalscorer markets. However, Guardiola's comments about managing his minutes could influence in-play betting strategies, especially regarding late substitutions.
The striker's focus on team success over individual accolades reflects the mentality that has made City such a formidable force. As they welcome Dortmund, expect Haaland to be hungry to perform against his former club while maintaining the team-first approach that has served him so well.
