Haaland has been nominated for the coveted prize after scoring 52 goals in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign.
Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d’Or – but so does Lionel Messi.
Haaland was nominated for the coveted award after scoring 52 goals in Manchester City’s treble campaign.
Yet City boss Guardiola has always maintained his former Barcelona talisman, who inspired Argentina to success at the 2022 World Cup, is the best player he has ever coached.
Guardiola said: “I have always said that the Ballon d’Or must have two parts – one for Messi and one for the others.
“Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals, but of course Messi – his worst season is the best of most players. They both deserve it.
“I would egotistically say I want Erling because he helped us achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins.
“It’s nice that many of the players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years, fighting for these trophies. That makes us so proud of our organization.”
Champions City will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend after losing their two games before the international break against Wolves and Arsenal.
However, they face a tough challenge with Brighton being the visitors to the Etihad Stadium and Guardiola has been very impressed with their performances under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Guardiola said: “He is turning Brighton into a top club. (Alexis) Mac Allister and (Levi) Colwill have left but they continue to play at a good level.
“Last season was also really good. They qualified for Europe and but for some decisions against them in the last matches they could fight for the title of champions.
“It’s one of the toughest tests we have this season and we’re going to try.”
City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled for game time under Guardiola, admitted this week that he needs to play more at club level to keep his place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024.
That has fueled speculation that he could leave in January and Guardiola did not rule out the possibility at a press conference on Friday.
He said: “The transfer window is over, we are here together now. When we need a game with transitions or games with something with chaos, Kalvin is perfect.
“When there’s something you need to do, there’s always one or two players who can do it better. That’s a simple reason.
“He’ll be here until winter. Then I don’t know what will happen because nobody knows when the window will be open.”
Guardiola admitted it was “so important” Rodri returned this weekend after the influential Spanish midfielder was sorely missed during his recent ban.
Rodri received a three-match ban after being sent off for a confrontation with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month.
Guardiola said: “Rodri has to learn. We have to control our emotions, get up and go. I’m sure he’ll learn.”
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