Guardiola lauds Dortmund striker Haaland ahead of UCL clash, reluctant to answer on Man City interest

Erling Haaland-Borussia Dortmund

The Spaniard boss has hailed Haaland as one of the best strikers.

Manchester City are set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals after the draw on Thursday and ahead of the clash, manager Pep Guardiola had time to speak about the attacking threat he would face from striker Erling Haaland.

Guardiola lauded Haaland as one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment and the Spanish boss added that the Norwegian’s eye-catching numbers are a testimony to it.

“The numbers speak for themselves.”

“He is one of the best strikers in the world at his age. The numbers are impressive.”

“I know the quality of him and I think everyone knows, but in two weeks I will answer better because I didn’t see much.”

The Spanish manager also weighed his thoughts on the quarter-final clash, stating that the best team would advance to the next round.

“Dortmund is tough but all of them would have been. We have to discover how they are as a team, do a good first game and then the second one.

“The best team will go through, no more secrets. We have two weeks to analyse their games, how they do and that’s all.”

Furthermore, Guardiola was reluctant to comment on Man City’s supposed transfer interest in the Norwegian striker.

“He’s a player for Dortmund.”

I don’t like it when people talk about our players. You understand I cannot answer this question.”

City have been heavily linked with a move for Haaland, who is considered as the successor to Sergio Aguero, who will be out of contract this summer.

Besides Citizens, several other top clubs from Europe are said to be keeping tabs on the 20-year-old, who has racked up some impressive numbers this season.

Haaland has garnered more than 30 goals in all competitions for Bundesliga this season and is also the current top scorer of the Champions League.