Guardiola: Haaland 'best striker in the world' but start vs Liverpool uncertain

By SABC Sport
6th February 2026

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Erling Haaland as the "best striker in the world" despite the Norwegian's dip in form, but refused to confirm if he will start the clash with Liverpool.

Haaland has scored just twice in his last 12 appearances, after a blistering start to the season that saw him net 19 goals in 14 games and become the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals. He came off the bench in City's 3-1 League Cup win over Newcastle, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice in his absence.

"I don't know, we will see tomorrow," Guardiola said. "But all I can say is Erling is the best. Erling is the best striker in the world."

City face a tough test at Anfield against one of their fiercest rivals, with Guardiola praising Liverpool's squad and manager. "It is always a difficult place and a tough opponent. They have an exceptional team and a top-class manager," he said.

As speculation continues over Guardiola's own future, he stressed he has one more year on his contract, keeping him at the Etihad until June 2027.