Erling Haaland, who scored twice, was ecstatic after Manchester City began their Premier League title defense with a 3-0 victory over Burnley.
The striker only needed four minutes to open his account for the new season, latching onto Rodrigo’s header and finding the bottom corner.
Haaland doubled the lead just before the break with a stunning strike, and Rodrigo added a third with 15 minutes remaining.
After securing the three points, Haaland, who was named Player of the Match, was pleased.
“It was good to start again. It’s been two months, so good to start with a win of course. “We did it quite controlled, we did quite well. We’re in the starting phase of this marathon. It’s about not stressing, to relax and to focus on ourselves.At half-time we planned exactly what to do in the second half. We could have scored more. It’s a good start being the first game of the season. I just have to keep on working, keep on relaxing and keep on not thinking too much. To not focus on negative things and it was a great goal [first goal]. Then Julian [Alvarez] got a lot of space. So I knew if I got the ball I had to shoot. I was thinking I had to finish it if I got it and i did it quite well. It’s a good finish [second goal].”
-Erling Haaland
Following the victory, last season’s Golden Boot winner took the opportunity to heap praise on manager Pep Guardiola.
“Everyone has been seeing that I am developing. I try my best every day,” he declared. “It’s a pleasure working with Pep. I don’t think there’s anyone better to be working with as a young player. I have to keep developing and enjoy the chaos around me and keep doing what I do on the pitch. People forget fast that we are Treble winners. We have to chase things again I guess.”
What’s next for Erling Haaland and Manchester City?
Manchester City returns to action on Wednesday, when they travel to Athens, Greece, to face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup final.
The game will take place at the Karaiskakis Stadium, home of Greek side Olympiakos, and will feature Champions League holders City and reigning Europa League champions Sevilla. The game takes place on Wednesday, August 16th.
