Guardiola Says Haaland “A Little Bit Above” Isak in Striker Debate

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he would not trade Erling Haaland for any striker, including Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, calling Haaland “a little bit above.” Isak has been praised as “maybe the best striker in the world” by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, initiating a public debate about whether he is superior to Haaland. Guardiola’s response to Haaland’s rival moving to England for a British record transfer could further ignite an already tense relationship. Isak’s move to Liverpool adds more spice to one of the country’s fiercest rivalries.

Liverpool are willing to pay extraordinary amounts of money to win their second Premier League title since 2020, imitating City’s blowout transfer strategy. Guardiola noted how “Liverpool of the past is not Liverpool today,” wondering how they are complying with financial fair play rules. Liverpool insist they are transparent and have nothing to hide.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Haaland has been crucial for City since joining in 2022, scoring 88 goals in 100 Premier League matches. The Norwegian international was a core part of the team that clinched back-to-back league titles as well as winning the Champions League in 2024. However, City were unable to sign Haaland to a new contract, meaning he is expected to leave when his current deal ends in 2028, with Barcelona the favourites for his signature.

Isak, meanwhile, enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Newcastle before his £125 million move to Liverpool this summer. The striker scored 54 times in 86 league games for the Tyneside club, while he also ended Newcastle’s 56-year trophy drought by lifting the League Cup and FA Cup and has four league titles to his name.

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

Asked if Haaland was better than Isak, manager Guardiola avoided drawing direct comparisons between the two, but admitted Haaland was the striker best suited to his style of play.

He said: “I don’t think about other options. I was lucky to manage one of the best strikers of all time, Erling, and I think right now he is improving game by game. I wouldn’t change Erling for any other striker because he is perfect for my system.”

Guardiola added: “Erling is a little bit above, for me. His finishing is outstanding, the way he presses is extraordinary, the amount of goals he has scored and the trophies he has won are incredible. But it’s not just about goals. He is not a selfish striker, he helps the team play better as a collective unit. That’s why for me, there is no better striker than Erling. I think he will always be loved here, but if I’m right, one day he might leave and that is something we have to face.”

HOW THE SEASON LOOKS

The City boss also noted how striker rivalries are nothing new, but admitted the battle between Haaland and Isak might be one of the most intense. He continued: “Since I started my career, there have always been rivalries. At Milan, the rivalry was between Ibrahimovic and Cavani; at Barcelona, it was between Messi and Ronaldo. We had to face these rivalries, but at the end of the day, it’s about how we play on the pitch.”

“The rivalry is more [between the players]. They have a lot of respect for each other. They play in the same position and try to score goals and make a difference. It’s just part of the game.”

WHAT’S MORE?

City face their arch-rivals Manchester United in a crucial derby this week. Both teams are desperate for victory, with City eager to get back into winning form after losing back to back matches in the Premier League, while United will look to crack the top four and overtake their neighbours. As per reports, Newcastle have struggled since Isak left in the summer, sitting in 12th place.