Haaland Queries Record as He Pledges to Improve Further

Erling Haaland has cautioned rivals that he is far from reaching his full potential, despite his remarkable scoring feats with Manchester City.

The striker from Norway, preparing to meet his previous team Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, has managed an astonishing 26 goals across 16 appearances for both club and international duty this term.

Ex England forward Alan Shearer commented last month that should Haaland remain in the league sufficiently, he is bound to surpass Shearers Premier League career total of 260 goals.

Haaland, aged 25, fielded a question during Manchester Citys pre game media session on Tuesday regarding surpassing his seasonal goal haul.

"Without seeming boastful, but which record exactly?" he replied.

The journalist explained it referred to Haalands 52 goals for City during the 2022/23 campaign, a year when the side secured the Treble comprising Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup triumphs.

In that debut English season, Haaland tallied 36 Premier League strikes, establishing a fresh benchmark for a solitary term.

The towering 1.95 metre (six feet five inches) forward conceded he feels "in good form" this year, yet emphasised his priority lies with collective success over personal milestones.

"I cannot dwell on records to surpass," he stated. "That ranks lowest in my considerations. My aim is to aid the team in securing victories. That defines my role and primary attention.

"I realise it sounds dull. I understand you prefer a different response, but reality differs."

Delivering a concerning note to adversaries, Haaland revealed ongoing player development, including efforts to enhance his aerial prowess.

"Improvement remains possible indefinitely," he noted. "Certain aspects demand practice, evident in my progress, with considerable distance yet to cover."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola integrated Haaland into the leadership group this season and praised him during his Tuesday briefing as a "genuine elite performer with profound modesty".

"His desire to net goals is clear, yet I sense he prioritises team welfare above all," he added. "Such traits prove rare to encounter.

"He possesses skill, aptitude, humility, call it what you will. Naturally, scoring remains essential to our cause, that much is obvious, yet he committed to a decade long deal and engages in various team matters."

Haaland, a new parent since last year, described himself as "unchanged in essence", merely seasoned by added life wisdom.

"In various scenarios, I remain that young lad, the one from Bryne in Norway, albeit enriched by greater life exposure," he remarked.