Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has expressed his opinion on the statement by Liverpool coach Arne Slot, who considers Alexander Isak as “perhaps the best striker in the world.” Guardiola, however, positions Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker, “a little above.”
Slot made glowing comments about Isak on Friday, anticipating the possible debut of the Swedish striker at Liverpool, following his arrival for a record transfer fee from Newcastle United.
However, Guardiola insists that he would not swap Isak for the prolific Norwegian Haaland.
“A little above… Isak is an exceptional player, but they ask me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player for what they paid. But another would say Mbappé, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo. I wouldn’t trade Erling for anyone”.
Pep Guardiola
Haaland comes into Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United in good form, after scoring five goals for Norway in midweek.The match on Sunday could see the debut of the new signing, Gianluigi Donnarumma, in goal, following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italian goalkeeper arrives after the departure of Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. Although Donnarumma is not known for his distribution, something that made Ederson an integral part of City’s success during his eight years with Guardiola, the City coach does not expect Donnarumma to match Ederson’s footwork.
“I always try to adapt to the quality of the players,” Guardiola said. “I wouldn’t ask ‘Gigi’ to do something he’s not comfortable with. We’re talking about the best goalkeeper I’ve seen in terms of distribution, short and long passes, in Ederson. We didn’t sign Gigi to do what Ederson did. Gigi has another quality.”
Guardiola praised the strengths of his new signing.
“He’s very tall. He’s huge,” Guardiola said with a smile, adding: “He’s a great presence on the big stages. What he did in the Champions League last season at Villa Park, Anfield, many games, shows how good he is.”
The signing of Donnarumma has also raised questions about James Trafford’s situation.
The 22-year-old player, who rejoined the club in the summer, has been a starter in City’s three matches this season.
“He’s the Man City goalkeeper. I can only put one goalkeeper,” Guardiola said. “The season is very long, everyone will participate. You may not believe it, but they will.”
City will look to boost their season this weekend after losses in their last two games.
