By Daily Review Online
Erling Haaland has challenged Manchester City to raise their game and become more ruthless after scoring a late winner in their hard-fought 3-2 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
The Norwegian striker struck in the 78th minute to secure all three points for City in their league-phase encounter at the Red Bull Arena, but insisted that his team must improve despite the victory.
Haaland believes City should have shown greater attacking intent after taking the lead, rather than allowing their opponents to remain in the contest.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, he said: “I think we need to step up a little bit. I think when we were 1-0, we needed to push forward a bit more, go for the second and then hopefully go for the third.
“That’s what we have to do as a club. We have to work on that.”
The 25-year-old also identified ball retention, attacking coordination and defensive organisation as areas requiring improvement.
“I think keeping the ball, when to keep it, when to go, working together, both offensively and defensively. Lots of different things.
“That’s the good part, you can always get better, and there’s always a new chance. Now there will be a new game in three days, so that’s lovely,” he added.
City took the lead through a Castello Lukeba own goal before the break, but RB Leipzig restored parity early in the second half through Ridle Baku.
Enzo Fernández put the visitors ahead again, only for Antonio Nusa to equalise for the German side.
With the match heading towards a draw, Haaland arrived at the back post to convert Elliot Anderson’s excellent delivery in the 78th minute, handing City a crucial victory.
Despite having a relatively quiet evening, the striker made his limited involvement count, with the winning goal coming from just his 13th touch of the game.
“It’s not the most, but what is most important is that I help the team to win, and I managed to do that, so I’m super happy,” he said.
The goal was Haaland’s 14th of the season and his 13th in nine career appearances against Leipzig, making the German club the opponent against whom he has scored the most goals.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca welcomed the victory, particularly after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Brighton on Saturday, their second consecutive Premier League loss.
“I’m happy with the win. That is important, especially after a defeat,” Maresca said.
He acknowledged that although City controlled significant portions of the encounter and created several opportunities, they struggled at certain moments against a determined Leipzig side.
“It’s always difficult, so we’re happy with the win,” he added.