Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has revealed that his move to the Etihad was aimed at helping the club achieve Champions League glory, explaining that City “already know” how to win the Premier League. The 22-year-old Norwegian made headlines by scoring five goals in City’s 7-0 demolition of RB Leipzig on Tuesday, a victory that secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“Of course the club want to win the Champions League,” Haaland told CBS. “They’ve won four out of the last five Premier League titles. They didn’t bring me in to win the Premier League because they already know how to win it. So, you can read between the lines. I’m here to try to help the club develop even more and to win the Champions League for the first time.”
City’s quest for continental success contrasts with their domestic dominance. Since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008, the club has collected 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles, four of which came under Pep Guardiola’s management. Despite the impressive haul, Champions League glory has remained elusive, with City’s best finish being runners-up to Chelsea in 2021.
Haaland believes there is still room for improvement, both personally and for the team. “I knew I was going to score goals because, last season, how many did they [City] score? Probably 100. When I saw them without a striker and they were crossing the ball in, I was like ‘ah, I’d love to be there!’” he said.
The Norway international added, “There is so much potential in this team and I think we can improve a lot. It’s an easy thing to say, but I could have scored more goals. I missed a lot of chances. I can get better in everything. I have to be much better – heading, combining, everything.”
Haaland’s statement highlights the high expectations on him to not only maintain City’s domestic supremacy but also to deliver the elusive European crown that has so far escaped Guardiola’s side.
