Jurgen Klopp has described Erling Haaland as a “great beast” and stated that the Norwegian will make title rivals Manchester City stronger next season.
Following a £51 million signing from Borussia Dortmund, City confirmed on Tuesday that the 21-year-old Norway international will join Pep Guardiola’s side for the 2022-23 season.
Klopp has previously praised Haaland as a ‘force of nature,’ and he even watched him score past his side in Liverpool’s 4-3 Champions League group game triumph over Red Bull Salzburg at Anfield in 2019.
Klopp, though, will have to wait and see how the striker has performed for Liverpool’s Premier League championship opponents in recent seasons. But he described him as a “very excellent addition” who will score many goals at the back post. When asked if Haaland’s presence at the Etihad Stadium will make City stronger after witnessing his team beat Aston Villa, the Reds manager said, ‘A lot.’ Excellent player. City has never been and will never be a club that relies on a single player to win.’
‘They have a certain style of play, and I believe Erling will suddenly realize that if he just puts his foot on it at the second post, he will score a lot of goals.’ That will delight him. He’s a true beast.’
‘He’s been injured a few times at Dortmund, but when he’s healthy, he’s a monster.’ Regrettably, he is a fantastic signing.’
After scoring 85 goals in 88 games for Dortmund over two and a half years, Haaland has received interest from all across Europe.
The current Premier League leaders defeated Real Madrid to sign the striker, who had previously been linked with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United.
Haaland will be City’s first real No 9 since Sergio Aguero, the club’s all-time leading scorer, but Reds legend Jamie Carragher feels his arrival will disturb the team’s balance.
‘It’s a brilliant signing,’ he said. ‘Not only for Man City, but also for the Premier League as a whole. I believe we’re all curious to see how he performs. You’re simply pleased that he’s in the Premier League because he and (PSG’s Kylian) Mbappe seem like the next two superstars who will overtake [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo.’ Those kinds of players have frequently gone to Barcelona or Real Madrid, but I believe the Premier League is currently the best league in the world. You’ve witnessed our performance in the Champions League.’
‘He’ll score goals because that’s what he was purchased for, but it doesn’t mean City will win everything.’ You must still incorporate him into the group. This means City will lose another creative player who helps them maintain the ball or manage games better.’