Published: 22:30, 10 February 2026 | Updated: 22:30, 10 February 2026

Pep Guardiola has told Manchester City's Erling Haaland to stop heaping pressure on himself after the megastar admitted there was no excuse for his patchy form.

Haaland netted a stoppage-time penalty at Anfield on Sunday to complete a dramatic late comeback over Liverpool but hasn't scored from open play for eight Premier League matches.

The Norwegian has 21 goals already this season and looks likely to win a third golden boot in four years but insisted that he must improve after beating Liverpool.

Guardiola labelled Haaland the best striker in the world last week and wants him to take a step back and relax.

'The problem with Erling is that he has to deal with his own numbers and expectations,' Guardiola said. 'That is the challenge for him. He puts a lot of responsibility on himself.

'I always say to him not to put too much pressure (on himself). Rely on his instincts, on his movements, anticipate the actions that his gut does better than anyone else in the world.