Ederson: 'Man City must change to adapt to Haaland'
* RB Leipzig - Man City: 3am on Thursday 23/2, Hanoi time.
In the summer of 2022, Haaland joined Man City for $ 63 million, $ 19 million less than the striker's contract release clause with Dortmund. The Norwegian striker has scored 32 goals in all competitions since the start of the season, including 26 in the Premier League, five in the Champions League and one in the League Cup. More than half a season, the 22-year-old striker has become Man City's player with the most goals in a Premier League season, equaling the achievement of Sergio Aguero all season 2014-2015.
However, Haaland is receiving criticism for missing many big matches, including defeats to Liverpool 0-1, Man Utd 1-2, Tottenham 0-1, winning Chelsea 1-0 in the English Premier League, or losing to Liverpool 1. -3 in the English Super Cup match at the beginning of the season. Last weekend, he missed two phases to eat close to the wall, causing Man City to be held 1-1 by Nottingham and lose the top spot.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry thinks Tottenham's Harry Kane could be a better fit for City, while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher thinks Haaland "may have chosen the wrong club".
However, Ederson rejected this view, although admitting that Man City must adapt to Haaland's style of play. "When Haaland arrived, we said he was going to score a lot of goals, and it happened," he told UEFA's official website. "Haaland is an excellent goalscorer, always looking to score goals and help the club."
The Brazilian goalkeeper also pointed out how Man City must change from analyzing the difference between compatriot Gabriel Jesus and Haaland. "Jesus likes to kick wide, penetrate the box from the wing, is stronger and more flexible. Haaland kicks more in the box, and is the destination in the box," he said. "That's the main difference. When we put the ball in the last third, we always have our destination in the box."
Ederson also called the notion that Haaland only scored easy close-range plays a "lie". He explained: "It's Haaland's ability to choose his position, his strongest point. Haaland doesn't score easy goals, he chooses his position very well. I hope Haaland will continue to score many goals, and We will work together to win all the titles."
The 29-year-old goalkeeper expects Haaland to continue to shine in the Champions League, starting with the match against Leipzig in the 1/8 round. The Norwegian striker scored 28 goals in 23 league appearances, and scored four times against Leipzig while at Dortmund, averaging one goal every 60 minutes.
"Champions League is the main goal of Man City", Ederson emphasized the importance of the continental tournament. "We tried and will continue to try to win the championship. We reached the final once and the semi-finals many times, but the results were not good. But I think this year, Man City is capable of reaching the final. and compete for the championship."
