Overview
- Pep Guardiola likened Erling Haaland's influence to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker scored twice in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
- Haaland rejected the comparisons, saying he is "just Erling" and "far off" the level of Messi and Ronaldo as City prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
- He insisted records are not on his mind despite 26 goals in 16 appearances for club and country this season and a Premier League total of 98 in 107 games.
- Guardiola said Haaland was added to City's leadership group and praised his humility, with City also managing his workload by giving the squad a rest day before Dortmund.
- Haaland said he is working to improve, including his heading, and he reiterated that taking Norway to the World Cup is his main career goal, with qualification within reach.