Guardiola revealed Haaland's praise as Manchester City continue their strong start

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has encouraged Erling Haaland to “press like an animal” this season as the club look to win their fifth consecutive Premier League title.

City dismantled Ipswich at the weekend, winning 4-1 with Haaland scoring his first hat-trick of the campaign.

There was silence around the Etihad when the Bulldozer Boys took the lead, but Guardiola's side quickly fought back and asserted their dominance of the game.

Haaland now has four goals this season, netting against Chelsea on the opening weekend.

He has been the league's top goalscorer since joining the club in 2022 and will be looking to surpass his tally of 27 from 2023-24.

Asked what he discussed with Norway in the summer, Guardiola said: “When you're connected defensively, you're connected offensively.

“His body language – imagine a defender has the ball and he's sprinting with that body and legs moving. It's scary.

“The people in the middle and behind [can] support him. And we are effective in our high pressure”.

Haaland reached 7 Premier League titles in a record-breaking time ⚡️🔵 pic.twitter.com/zttDIGu1nT

— LiveScore (@livescore) August 26, 2024

“This is not negotiable. If you don't score, that's okay. But you have to do it.”

Guardiola's team has been the benchmark for years now, and only Liverpool have been able to deny the title at one time.

But with the 24-year-old Haaland fit and firing, he now needs a near-perfect season to keep pace with the champions.

Guardiola added: “He feels great.

“Last season he always had problems with his hips, ankles and knees.

“This season he is taking good care of himself with physio, but I have the feeling that he is sharp.

“After training sessions he stays for a long time to practice crosses and controls. Last season it didn't happen because he wasn't perfect.

“With his body, he must be perfect to perform at that level.

“That's why you have an amazing organization to help players feel free to do their best.”