That's How His Brain Works! 'Team Triumphs Over Individual Accolades' For Erling Haaland

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 00:11 IST

The 25-year-old Norwegian has netted 26 goals in just 16 games for club and country this season, but noted that City's wins took precedence over individual numbers.

Erling Haaland. (Image: AFP)

Erling Haaland may be on a record-breaking scoring pace, but Manchester City’s star striker insists he is focusing on team success as he prepares to face his former club Borussia Dortmund in Wednesday’s Champions League clash.

The 25-year-old Norwegian has netted 26 goals in just 16 appearances for club and country this season, putting him on track to surpass his own personal best of 57 goals in a single campaign.

“I am in a good way to breaking that, but I don’t think of this. We need to focus on tomorrow, and that’s how my brain works. I need to think in the present," he said at a press conference on Tuesday.

When asked if he thinks Alan Shearer’s Premier League scoring record of 260 goals is within reach, Haaland reiterated, “I have to ignore records. Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind; I try to help the team win football games. That is my main focus."

He also dismissed comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying no one can get close to those two.

He similarly shrugged off manager Pep Guardiola’s compliments about how humble he is. “I am a Norwegian guy, and I shouldn’t think I am something because I am scoring goals," he said. “I am just Erling, and this is something that will never change."

Haaland is also keen to take Norway into the 2026 World Cup. They last qualified in 1998, two years before he was born. Norway top Group I of qualifying, and a win against Estonia on November 13 could secure them a berth.

“There are big, big games for us," he said of the international fixtures. “The main goal of my career is to take Norway to the World Cup, and now I have a good chance to do it. So, it’s about taking the chances."

The striker also spoke candidly about how becoming a dad last December has brought him more balance. “Suddenly, there’s someone waking you up every morning," Haaland said. “It got me even more focused because I can switch off more; you need the balance between focusing and doing the completely opposite, not focusing at all."

Guardiola, who gave his squad the day off from training on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of managing the workload of players such as Haaland.

“I always try to organise the team to allow him to run as little as possible. He is so big and cannot play 90 minutes every three days," Guardiola said. “I always think of playing every three days and manage to control the ball through the passes and handle the game the way you want to—so you survive. Less injuries also."

City are seventh in the Champions League table with seven points after three games in the single-league format.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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