City open our 2023/24 Premier League campaign with a challenging trip to Burnley on Friday 11 August, with kick-off at Turf Moor scheduled for 20:00 (UK).
It represents the first time we’ll face Vincent Kompany’s side since our fine 6-0 FA Cup victory over the Clarets in March where the Norwegian bagged a sublime hat-trick.
Haaland’s trio of goals contributed to his magical maiden term at City which saw him score a staggering 52 goals and wonderfully lift the Treble.
But the boss believes goals will come naturally to the 23-year-old if he continues to work exceptionally hard individually and with his teammates.
“I would say Erling didn’t need the second season, maybe one Community Shield game to realise, no more than that. I will advise him don’t put too much pressure on the goals,” Guardiola explained.
“I said to Erling come back your best and try to be your best physically and mentally. If you score, fine, if you don’t score, fine, try to improve your details and qualities and skills in the spaces to be a better player.
“And if the team is going to help you to give you as many chances as possible to score the goals, this is what I want him to do.
“I don’t want Erling to score 50 or 60, try to be happy like he was last season, relax and try to get back your best after holidays and Asia, you still need a bit more time.
“Training better, every game demand yourself to make an effort and then the goals will come naturally, don’t force it.
“But you have to do something, him and everyone for the situation to happen. You can’t wait for it. You have to do something, the chances, defend well, score goals, not concede, save, set pieces, we have to do something to make it happen.”
Watch Guardiola’s full press conference in the video player above!
