Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, describing him as "the best striker in the world," in the pre-match press conference ahead of the highly anticipated clash against Liverpool. Despite this high praise, the Spanish coach declined to give a definitive answer as to whether the Norwegian goalscorer would start in the Premier League match scheduled for Sunday.

The Manchester City-Liverpool clash has gained immense importance in recent years, becoming one of the most intense tactical and technical battles in world football, and its outcome often plays a decisive role in determining the Premier League title race. This match comes at a crucial time for both teams, increasing the pressure on Guardiola to select the optimal lineup to secure three points in the heated title race.

On a technical level, Haaland is experiencing a period of inconsistency, having scored only two goals in his last two matches. Guardiola had kept his lethal striker on the bench during last Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United, which City won 3-1. When the manager brought him on in the 71st minute, the Norwegian failed to replicate his usual brilliance and lacked his decisive touch in front of goal, raising questions about his mental and physical readiness for the upcoming match.

Going back to the start of the season, Haaland had a phenomenal start, scoring 19 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals – a feat that reflects the immense value he has brought to the Sky Blues. It's worth noting that Haaland had already found the net against Liverpool in the first leg, a 3-0 victory for City last November. However, when asked by reporters about his next appearance, Guardiola replied: "I don't know until tomorrow, but all I can say is that Erling is the best, Erling is the best striker in the world.".

In another context, Guardiola addressed his future with the club, denying rumors that this season might be his last. The Spanish coach explained, "I have one year left on my contract, which is the same answer I gave two months ago." The former Barcelona manager signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2027, continuing his trophy-laden career, which has seen him win 18 titles with City, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League title.

The 55-year-old coach didn't miss the opportunity to reiterate his humanitarian stance, again expressing his "pain" for the victims in conflict zones such as Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan. In response to criticism urging him to focus solely on football, Guardiola said: "Honestly, I didn't say anything extraordinary. I don't understand why I'm not allowed to express my feelings just because I'm a coach. I condemn all conflicts around the world," emphasizing his respect for all opinions despite disagreeing with attempts to silence his humanitarian voice.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his complete confidence in Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, describing him as "the best striker in the world," in a press conference ahead of the highly anticipated match against Liverpool. Despite this praise, Guardiola left the door open to all possibilities regarding his starting lineup for Sunday's Premier League clash, refusing to give a definitive answer about whether Haaland would start the match.

Mystery surrounds City's lineup

Guardiola's comments come at a crucial time for City, with Haaland having scored just two goals in his last two appearances – a far cry from his blistering start to the season. The Spanish manager had left his Norwegian striker on the bench for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United, which City won 3-1. When Haaland came on as a substitute in the 71st minute, he failed to make his usual impact and couldn't rediscover his clinical finishing touch, raising questions about his mental and physical readiness for big matches.

Relative decline and record numbers

Haaland faces a real challenge to rediscover his best form after a slight dip in form compared to his phenomenal start to the season, when he scored 19 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions and broke records to become the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals. The Liverpool match carries particular significance, as the Norwegian previously scored against the Reds in his team's 3-0 victory in the eleventh round last November. However, Guardiola told reporters, "I don't know until tomorrow, but all I can say is that Erling is the best. Erling is the best striker in the world.".

Guardiola's future and his humanitarian stances

On another note, the press conference addressed Pep Guardiola's future with the Sky Blues, amid growing speculation about whether this season would be his last. Guardiola responded clearly, referring to his current contract: "I have one year left on my contract, the same answer I gave two months ago." It's worth noting that the Catalan coach signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2027, continuing his illustrious career which boasts 18 titles, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

The 55-year-old Guardiola didn't miss the opportunity to reiterate his humanitarian stance, again expressing his "pain" for the victims in conflict zones such as Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan. In response to criticism urging him to focus solely on football, Pep said: "Honestly, I didn't say anything extraordinary. I don't understand why I'm not allowed to express my feelings just because I'm a coach. I condemn all conflicts around the world," emphasizing his respect for all opinions despite disagreeing with those who want to silence his humanitarian voice.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lauded his Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, describing him as "the best striker in the world," amid preparations for Sunday's crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool. Despite this praise, Guardiola declined to confirm whether Haaland would start, leaving many questions about the manager's tactical options for this pivotal match.

Doubts surround the technical readiness

Guardiola's comments come at a time when Haaland is experiencing a dip in form, having scored just two goals in his last two appearances. The Spanish manager had left the Norwegian star on the bench for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, which City won 3-1. When he was brought on in the 71st minute, Haaland failed to make his usual impact and didn't rediscover his clinical finishing touch, further fueling speculation about his mental and physical readiness for Sunday's crucial match.

Haaland faces the challenge of rediscovering his form after a sensational start to the season, scoring 19 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions and achieving a historic milestone as the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals. Looking back at recent encounters, Haaland also made his mark by scoring in City's emphatic 3-0 victory over Liverpool in Matchday 11 on November 9th.

Guardiola's future and his humanitarian statements

On another note, Guardiola addressed his future with the Sky Blues, denying rumors that this season could be his last. The 55-year-old manager reaffirmed his commitment to the contract he signed in November 2024, which guarantees his stay at the Etihad Stadium until June 2027, saying: "I have one year left on my contract, which is the same answer I gave two months ago.".

Off the pitch, Guardiola reiterated his right to express his opinion on humanitarian issues, emphasizing his "pain" for the victims of conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan. This came in response to demands from some Jewish community leaders that he "focus on football." Pep commented, "Honestly, I didn't say anything extraordinary. I don't understand why I shouldn't be allowed to express my feelings just because I'm a coach. I condemn all the conflicts currently taking place around the world.".

It is worth noting that Guardiola's career with Manchester City is studded with gold, as he has won 18 titles, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League title, making him one of the most successful coaches in the history of the club and English football.