Erling Haaland interview: ‘I couldn’t trust what I was seeing’

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has emphasized the importance of having a strong mental attitude and not dwelling on setbacks as he continues to improve as a player.

Haaland had an outstanding first season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring an impressive 52 goals across all competitions. This season, he has already netted 28 goals and is leading the scoring charts for his club in the Premier League.

Despite his remarkable goal tally, Haaland has also missed the most big chances this season, including a memorable effort in the Manchester derby against rivals United. However, the Norwegian striker remains unfazed by these misses.

In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Haaland admitted that he couldn’t believe his own eyes when he missed that chance but shrugged it off, saying, “S*** happens.” His relaxed attitude was justified as he went on to score in the same match, securing a 3-1 victory for City.

When asked if he has always remained calm in the face of setbacks, Haaland confessed that it was something he has had to work on. He revealed that he struggled a lot when he was younger and still faces challenges at times. However, he believes that being mentally strong is crucial in overcoming these difficulties. Haaland acknowledged that he is critical of himself but understands the need to find a balance.

Despite missing two months of the season due to injury, Haaland is still leading the way in the Premier League goal-scoring charts. He acknowledges that this season may not be as glittering as his debut campaign but remains focused on his own improvement. Haaland is determined to develop as a player and is driven by his continuous pursuit of growth.

Manchester City will face FC Copenhagen in the Champions League last 16 second leg, holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg. The match will be broadcasted on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 19:00 UK time on Wednesday, March 6. Fans can subscribe to TNT Sports through various TV platforms and can use the Pub Finder tool to locate local establishments showing TNT Sports.