Guardiola's ominous Haaland warning and De Bruyne boost ahead of Arsenal clash
Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield a week on Sunday and Pep Guardiola has issued a rather ominous Erling Haaland warning ahead of the big game
Pep Guardiola has sent an ominous warning to Arsenal and the rest of the Premier League by revealing Erling Haaland is fitter now than when he first arrived at Manchester City.
Despite netting 52 goals in his first year in English football, thus helping the Cityzens claim the treble along the way, it was noticeable that the Norway international only scored once in his final eight appearances. However, it took him just six minutes after coming off the bench to open his account in the pre-season win over Yokohama Marinos on Sunday.
Haaland would add to his tally in injury time - tapping home at the back post after Joao Cancelo's cross - and whilst he's not yet fully fit following his summer holidays, Guardiola has revealed that it's just a matter of time before his number nine is raring to go.
"Compared to this period last season, Erling is fitter now than when he arrived," the Spaniard said. "He looks good. He is still some way from his best condition, like everyone, but it was important for him to score two goals in the first game because last season he didn’t score at the end.
"It is important he knows our rhythm and principles and we are working all the time. We know exactly what he has to do. We know him - and in a few weeks he will be in better condition than now."
Furthermore, Guardiola has revealed that Kevin De Bruyne is also on the comeback trail. The Belgium international suffered a torn hamstring in the Champions League final victory over Inter Milan six weeks ago and was named amongst the substitutes on Sunday but didn't make an appearance.
With City facing
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