Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola delivers verdict on Erling Haaland, Liverpool star Alexander Isak debate after ‘best in the world’ claim
Published 12/09/2025 at 16:54 GMT+1
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Pep Guardiola claimed that Erling Haaland's level was "a little above" Alexander Isak, with the Catalan adding that he would not swap the Norway international for anyone in the world. Haaland has netted 88 goals in his 100 Premier League games since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Arne Slot was talking up Isak upon the striker completing a £125m move to Liverpool.
Guardiola says Haaland is 'a little bit above' Isak and discusses City future
Video credit: SNTV
Pep Guardiola admitted that he preferred Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to Liverpool’s new No. 9, adding that he would not swap the Norwegian for "anyone" in world football.
The Catalan manager’s comments came after Liverpool boss Arne Slot labelled new £125 million signing Alexander Isak as "probably the best striker in the world" in his Friday press conference.
While Guardiola talked up Isak's pedigree, he insisted that Haaland, who has netted 88 goals in 100 Premier League appearances to date, was "a little above" the Sweden international.
"Listen, it's the same way I answered before, Isak is an exceptional player," said Guardiola. "You asked me what Erling is as a striker, so he's top.
"But of course, he must be a top player, Isak, because of what they paid, so it's obvious.
"Another one would say [Kylian] Mbappe, and another one would say [Lionel] Messi, another one would say Cristiano [Ronaldo], that's fine. That's why it's a game of opinions.
"What I'm saying is that I will not change Erling for anyone, because I know him."
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Slot: Isak needs to build fitness and Liverpool 'close' to signing Guehi
Video credit: SNTV
Ahead of Liverpool’s encounter with Burnley, Slot praised Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson for managing Isak’s minutes, and added that Isak was "maybe the best striker in the world".
Slot said: "First of all, I think the Swedish manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, deserves a big, big, big compliment.
"He gets in one of the best, maybe the best striker in the world, and needs to play two very important games for his country, but understands if he would play him twice for 90 minutes, the player would have probably been injured for multiple weeks."
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Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Guardiola: 'Everyone will be involved this season'
Elsewhere, Guardiola insisted that "everyone will be involved" this season, when questioned about who Manchester City would start in goal at home to Manchester United on Sunday.
Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma joined from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day, a month after City signed James Trafford from Burnley.
"He is so tall, he is so huge," Guardiola said of Donnarumma. "[From] all the keepers we want is safe balls, give confidence to the team, have personality and a big presence.
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"In the biggest stages in the Champions League last season, at Villa Park, Anfield and in many games, he proved how good he is.
"He is going to concede goals, that is for sure, but all of us, we are going to try to handle it."
Asked about Trafford, Guardiola added: "He is a keeper for Man City. I can only play one keeper, I can play two full-backs, two centre-backs.
"The season is so long, everyone will be involved. They may not believe it, but they will."
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