Even by his own remarkable standards, the Norwegian centre forward has been in extraordinary form this season, already netting 32 times all told for club and country.
However, Haaland has so far not found the target since the resumption of action after the November international break.
Instead, the responsibility on Saturday was largely shouldered by Phil Foden whose vital brace – sandwiched by Josko Gvardiol’s first half effort – helped secure a priceless three points.
And for the boss, the prowess of Foden - along with others in terms of seeking out goals - will be pivotal this season.
“The big teams score with many, many players,” Pep pointed out.
“If Erling is the only guy that scores goals we will struggle.
“[In terms of [Phil] I like to play him behind the striker close to the box. The guys who have this sense of goals have to be near the goal.
“Sometimes he can play wide, but I like Phil in central positions. He can play as a winger but for me Savinho and Jeremy Doku and Oscar have [different] attributes.
“The other three don’t have the [same] sense of goal. I have to bring players close to Erling.
“I like players that arrive and have the feeling they can score.”
Play the video to watch Pep’s press conference in full…
