One Manchester City star has responded to criticism he received from Thierry Henry.
Manchester City’s fine start to 2024 continued on Sunday as they registered a 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola’s side were made to work hard for it, though, as Marcus Rashford gave their neighbours a shock early lead.
Phil Foden scored a stunning brace to turn things around before Erling Haaland sealed the deal with his late strike.
The goal saved Haaland’s blushes after he missed a remarkable sitter in the first half when City were behind, as he somehow put the ball over from two yards out.
But Thierry Henry focussed on another area of the Norweigan’s game where he felt he could improve.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, the Arsenal legend said he thinks Haaland can get ‘better’ at being involved in build-up play and getting passes from midfield.
Erling Haaland responds to Thierry Henry’s criticism
In City’s press conference ahead of facing FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, Haaland was asked about Henry’s advice.
A journalist questioned Haaland on whether he can get involved in the play more or if he is doing what Guardiola has instructed him to do on the pitch.
“I don’t want to say too much about this because obviously, it’s our tactic,” he said.
“What we use against opponents. I do what he tells me to do.
“I try to get involved when I should and there’s a lot of things I can become better at. Everything, by the way.
“People say I’m good at scoring goals but I missed the biggest chance in the world, ever, two days ago.
“I can also become better at that. But yeah, I can become a lot better at a lot of things. That’s why we train.”
An elite mentality
Guardiola had nothing but praise for Haaland’s personality in the same press conference and it’s clear from how he speaks why he is so successful.
Yes, you need the talent, but you also need the relentless drive to always be better and improve. Even after a record-breaking debut season when you have won the treble.
Haaland has already netted 28 goals in 31 games this season yet has missed some great chances, against Chelsea recently as well as United.
But he never lets it get him down, his composure and technique are never thrown off when the next chance comes around.
That unshakable confidence means you will always rely on him to score the big chances even if he does miss one occasionally.
It all makes up for an elite mentality which has made him the world’s best striker.