Pep Guardiola Crowns Haaland a "Monster" Alongside Messi and Ronaldo Following Record-Breaking Champions League Feat
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's head coach, believes Erling Haaland has the potential to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo's historic scoring milestone after the Norwegian striker achieved the fastest 50-goal mark in Champions League history.
City secured an emphatic 2-0 win against 10-man Napoli in their Champions League campaign opener on Thursday, with Haaland netting the opening goal in the second half. This strike marked his 50th Champions League goal in merely 49 matches.
The Norwegian shattered the previous benchmark for reaching 50 goals, previously held by Ruud van Nistelrooy who needed 62 games across his stints with PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real Madrid. Guardiola emphasized that this achievement places Haaland among football's legendary marksmen.
"What can I say?" Guardiola stated. "The statistics are self-explanatory.
"We're fortunate to have him. I want to congratulate him, as he now stands with prolific scorers like Van Nistelrooy, [Robert] Lewandowski, but particularly the two phenomenal players Cristiano and [Lionel] Messi who dominated for two decades: for Erling to reach this level is extraordinary."
Ronaldo currently holds the Champions League scoring record with 140 goals achieved over 183 matches during his career with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. Guardiola acknowledged this milestone could be threatened if Haaland continues his exceptional scoring pace.
"At this rate, certainly," Guardiola responded when questioned about Haaland potentially surpassing Ronaldo's mark. "If he stays healthy, he could compete for another 10 or 12 seasons, and maintaining this trajectory, it's definitely possible."
City colleague Phil Foden, who provided the assist for Haaland's goal against Napoli, made his own ambitious forecast regarding Haaland, suggesting the Norwegian's achievements might remain unmatched.
"He appears to shatter every milestone," Foden shared with TNT Sports. "At his current age, his accomplishments are unprecedented.
"I believe no one will surpass the records he's establishing if he continues performing at this level. Remarkable talent."