Erling Haaland could be X-factor for Manchester City in Europe

Manchester City’s new ahead Erling Haaland could make all of the distinction of their quest for an elusive Champions League title, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan mentioned on Tuesday because the duo put together to satisfy their former membership Borussia Dortmund.

City have by no means gained Europe’s elite membership competitors and had been knocked out by eventual champions Real Madrid on the semi-final stage final season, having completed runners-up to Chelsea within the 2020-21 marketing campaign. Speaking to reporters earlier than Dortmund’s go to to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, Gundogan mentioned Haaland’s sensible begin to his profession in England can translate to success in Europe. “We hope for it. This year having a proper number nine is going to help us a lot,” Gundogan mentioned. “We will see and the Champions League is an unbelievable factor to attain.

“It’s never easy to play in this competition and sometimes little details can decide the outcome.” Haaland has hit the bottom operating since becoming a member of City within the shut season with 12 targets in all competitions to date, together with two on his European debut for City as they beat Sevilla 4-0 of their first sport to sit down prime of Group G. “The numbers they speak for themselves. I think the club has signed an incredible player,” Gundogan added. “He’s carried out nicely on the pitch, however his character, willpower and perspective off it (has additionally been spectacular) from such a younger boy.

“He’s very mature and his future is very bright. We’re both really looking forward to the game against our old club.” City supervisor Pep Guardiola mentioned one other former Dortmund participant, Manuel Akanji, was in rivalry to play within the sport. “They (Dortmund) know these players (Haaland and Akanji) more than I know Dortmund players, that’s for sure,” Guardiola mentioned. “They were there a few years. They can benefit. “We’ll see tomorrow if it’s an advantage. But they know the Dortmund players too.”

Guardiola mentioned Aymeric Laporte skilled for the primary time following knee surgical procedure whereas fellow defender Kyle Walker missed the session.