'From failure to Ronaldo and Henry' - Guardiola calls for calm on Erling Haaland

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has appealed for patience and calm concerning his star striker Erling Haaland after Sunday's Matchday 1 fixture in the Premier League.

Manchester City played West Ham United away at the London Stadium for their opening league match of the 2022/23 season, running out 2-0 winners as they got their title defence off to a good start.

Summer signing Haaland scored both goals for the defending champions, dispatching a first-half penalty and wrapping up his brace in the 65th minute.

In his post-match press conference, Guardiola called for patience and calm concerning Haaland, pointing out that when the Norwegian striker failed to find the back of the net in the Community Shield match against Liverpool, he was branded a 'failure'.

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In an interview with SkySports, Guardiola was asked if Haaland had the potential to reach the level of Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo but the City manager asked that the former Borussia Dortmund forward be given more time.

Guardiola said: "Of course, he has the talent. But listen, one week ago, when he missed that chance he had he was a failure. 

"You know, and people say he is not going to adapt in the Premier League and everybody laughed at him. 

The Spanish manager went on to explain that it is after Haaland's playing career that he should be analysed or judged if he has reached the level of the players mentioned.

"And now, he is going to Thierry or Cristiano Ronaldo. [It will] Take time. It is his first Premier League game. He is 21, 22 years old. He has a long career," Guardiola said.

"When he is going to retire, hopefully, he will stay many years in Manchester City, we are going to analyse what he has done. So be calm. The important thing is that we know what we have to do, we know the quality he has, and after that, we'll see."

Manchester City and Haaland will be in action again on Saturday, August 13 when they host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium for their Matchday 2 fixture of the 2022/23 Premier League season.