Liverpool know all too well that when Erling Haaland starts talking, goals usually follow. And ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad, the Manchester City striker has delivered a chilling message — he’s never felt better.
The Norwegian goal machine has been in frightening form this season, scoring 27 goals in 17 games for club and country.
Even by his own incredible standards, that’s a rate only video games can keep up with. Haaland, who is just two goals away from a Premier League century, believes he’s playing at the peak of his powers — and he plans to prove it against Liverpool.
“It’s been a good start and I feel really good. I feel this is the best version of myself. I’ve never felt better than now,” Haaland said.
“To keep sharp, I need to keep my mind in the right place, recover well, eat the right things and stay motivated.”
For Liverpool, who have just rediscovered their form under Arne Slot this season, that’s not exactly the kind of pre-match talk you want to hear.
The Pep factor — a genius at work
Sunday’s game also marks Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th career match as a manager, a milestone Haaland insists he’s proud to be part of.
“Since I came to City, he’s been helping me with movements and trying to get into situations where I can score goals,” the striker said.
“It’s Pep Guardiola – he’s a genius. There’s a reason why he’s been winning so much, because of his dedication and hard work.”
That partnership has already rewritten the Premier League’s record books. Now, Haaland wants to celebrate Guardiola’s big day with another trademark performance — even if it comes at Liverpool’s expense.
Can Liverpool keep Haaland quiet again?
The good news for Liverpool fans: Haaland’s record against the Reds isn’t exactly glowing. In eight meetings, he’s only scored three goals and has never won a Premier League game against them.
Virgil van Dijk and his backline have managed to frustrate him time and again, turning his usual fireworks into flickers.
But Haaland knows that could change in an instant.
“We need to be ready because it’s not going to be an easy game,” he said. “The competition between Man City and Liverpool has been amazing — pushing each other to get better and fighting for the title.”
The Premier League’s top scorer clearly relishes the rivalry, and with Arsenal currently leading the table, both sides know this fixture could swing the title race once more.
Erling Haaland vs Liverpool
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 8 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 0 |
| First goal vs Liverpool | October 2019 (for RB Salzburg, Anfield) |
| Last goal vs Liverpool | November 2023 (Etihad Stadium) |
Liverpool’s defense has been rock-solid this season, but Haaland in this kind of mood can turn games on their head. He’s chasing records, Pep’s celebrating milestones, and the Etihad will be buzzing.
For Van Dijk and company, keeping Haaland out may be the toughest assignment of all — because when the Norwegian giant says he’s “never felt better,” it usually ends with someone picking the ball out of the net.