Erling Haaland has hailed ‘detail freak’ Pep Guardiola as he revealed he has been dreaming about winning the Champions League his whole life.
The Manchester City striker is looking to inspire his side to their first European Cup on Saturday night – live on talkSPORT – when they face Inter Milan in Istanbul.
Haaland has thrived at City under the tutelage of Guardiola[/caption]
City are on the cusp of winning a historic treble[/caption]
It would cap a remarkable debut season for the 22-year-old, who has already spearheaded the Citizens to Premier League and FA Cup glory.
And Haaland has declared that boss Guardiola‘s level of demand has been a main reason for his blistering form.
Pressed on what he has learned under the Spaniard, he said: “A lot of course. He is a detail freak!
“So I’m really enjoying every single day with an intense Pep, I like it.”
And the former Red Bull Salzburg star believes there’s still room for improvement in his game – despite banging in 52 goals in as many games in all competitions.
The Norway international stated: “I’m still young, I can improve a lot, I’m at the perfect place to work with the best coach and players in the world, there are always things you can become better at.”
Haaland then stressed he looking to complete a life goal in lifting the Champions League, as he stated Manchester United’s 2008 success fuelled his motivation.
He remarked: “I’ve been dreaming and thinking about it my whole life, and it’s been my dream as along as I can remember, so a long time.”
“Pep is a detail freak!”
“I’m enjoying every day with him. It’s about keeping on developing. The small things.”
Erling Haaland is a big fan of Guardiola.
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The ex-Borussia Dortmund marksman continued: “I think around 2008 when Chelsea played United, when I saw the celebrations, I wanted to do that as well.
“I’m getting closer and closer.”
Haaland has made no secret of his love for the Champions League in the past, with the iconic anthem used as his ringtone.
Giving his reasoning as to why, he said: “I love this competition and I enjoy it, so that’s why – and it’s also a really nice song!”
Meanwhile Haaland’s teammate Kyle Walker has revealed he is desperate for City to complete the treble – so the squad can carry on their party celebrations.
He told reporters: “You can’t beat around the bush, it’s there [the treble] for us to grab now.
“If we as a group of players want to go and be connected or associated with the team of Manchester United [in 1998/99 season] that went on and did great things, we need to take this opportunity, these opportunities don’t come around too often.”
He added: “Hopefully we can do it and walk out from Istanbul with a beer in hand celebrating being treble winners.”
Pressed just the one beer, Walker joked: “It might be a few more!”