Pep Guardiola has backed Erling Haaland to score more goals for Manchester City this season and has discussed whether the forward can beat Dixie Dean’s famous goal record.
Haaland has been in sensational form since signing for Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last summer and scored his 50th goal in all competitions during the club’s win at Fulham last weekend.
The Norwegian is the first player since 1931 to reach 50 goals in an English top-flight season, while his effort at Fulham saw Haaland level the Premier League’s 34-goal record, held jointly by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
City remain in contention for three trophies and will face a minimum of nine games before the end of the campaign. It has been suggested that Haaland could break the English record for goals in a season, set by Everton’s Dixie Dean who scored 63 goals in all competitions in 1927/28.
Speaking ahead of City’s clash with West Ham on Wednesday evening, Guardiola was asked whether Haaland could eclipse Dean’s record.
“Of course it’s good for him and the team, it’s a good sign. The magnitude of a record is that is stands for a long time and it’s not broken,” Guardiola told his pre-match press conference.
“All will be broken one day. I’m pretty sure he’ll score more in the Premier League before the end of the season.
“I don’t know what is going to happen. It is a surprise for us but maybe not for him to do what he’s done in this difficult league. The way he behaves is for the success of the team.”
City moved top of the Premier League table after beating Fulham last weekend and take on London opposition once again in midweek.
Guardiola is aware of the threat West Ham can pose his side’s title challenge despite a mixed season under David Moyes.
“Maybe West Ham didn’t have the season they expect but the quality is there,” he said.
“At set pieces they are one of the best and Michail Antonio attacks the channels. The weapons are there. In one game anything can happen.”
