GOAL MACHINE ERLING ADMITS HE WANTED SIX

FIVE-GOAL Erling Haaland admitted he was looking for a ‘double hat-trick’ when Pep Guardiola took him off just after the hour mark in last night’s Champions League demolition job. Three of the Norwegian’s goals, including a penalty, came in a dizzying first half as RB Leipzig were swatted aside 7-0 at the Etihad following last month’s 1-1 first leg in Germany. Speaking after his incredible strike tally for the season reached 39, the striker felt that a 40th had been within his sights on an evening in which Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne also scored for Manchester City. ‘I told him [Guardiola] that I would love to score a double hat-trick, but what can I do?’ smiled Haaland, 22, when asked about being replaced to rapturous applause. ‘It’s a big night. Firstly, I’m proud to play in this competition. I love it. Five goals! To win 7-0 is amazing.’

Asked which of his goals had been the best, he replied: ‘I’m blurry in my head. I remember shooting but not thinking. I was so tired after my celebrations. ‘My super strength is scoring goals. A lot of goals today, I was just trying to get it into the back of the net. A lot of it is being quick in the mind and trying to put it where the goalkeeper is not. ‘We worked on the pressing yesterday. Especially at home, we have to run and press. We are so good at getting the ball. In my opinion, we should do this more. I think we can use this more [pressing]. There is more space for the guys in between to play. Compared to last year and now, we can play with a striker in behind and that’s what I’m trying to bring.’ Manager Guardiola said: ‘We played very good with and without the ball. We scored a lot of goals. Erling was amazing but everyone was exceptional. ‘Five in 60 minutes. Incredible guy, huge talent. Power, mentality, he’s a serial winner. Really good.’