Guardiola: We can't win the Champions League if we rely solely on Haaland

The Norwegian joined in the summer, having scored 86 goals in 89 games in two-and-a-half seasons for Borussia Dortmund.

And in Europe his form has been perhaps even more startling, with the striker bagging 23 Champions League goals in 19 matches.

Haaland’s remarkable form has continued in the Premier League, with his tally of 10 goals in his first six games setting a new competition record.

Guardiola says he is delighted with the way Haaland has settled but insists only with his whole squad playing at their optimum will City win major silverware.

“All the players who come here were brought here by the club to make us better, that makes sense,” Guardiola said.

“If we rely on Erling’s shoulders, we will not win the Champions League.

“Hopefully, we can do it. He came here because we convinced him. We didn’t have strikers and he felt he could play with us.

“He has settled well, like with Julian and the other new players.

“I understand completely why everyone is talking about Erling but I have six new players and I want them to settle as quickly as possible.

“We won’t win just because of Erling but he has a special talent, and he can help us solve problems, definitely. But if we don’t play well, we will not win.” 

Stones trained on Monday morning in Manchester but didn’t make the trip to Spain, while Walker came off with 10 minutes remaining of our 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Both players have muscular injuries, and it means new signing Manuel Akanji could make his debut against the La Liga side.

“John and Kyle are injured,” Guardiola said.

“He [Stones] arrived this morning feeling good.

“We are lucky Akanji is here, that’s why the club moved quick and we brought in players in this position.

“John and Nathan [Ake] are not quite reliable right now week in, week out. But it is what it is.

“With this incredible schedule, the players cannot sustain this demanding scenario for a long time.”