Guardiola backs Haaland to end goal drought, insists City star remains the world’s best ahead of Anfield test | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has backed Erling Haaland to rediscover his form, insisting the Manchester City forwards is the 'best in the world'.

Haaland has endured a rare downturn in recent weeks, failing to score from open play in sevenPremier League fixtures.

City travel to face Liverpool in thePremier League on Sunday and Anfield remains the only Premier League ground that Haaland has failed to score at.

The Norwegian started Wednesday's win over Newcastle United on the bench, with Omar Marmoush impressing in his absence.

Marmoush scored twice as the Citizens secured asemi-final win in the Carabao Cup, but Guardiola has been clear on Haaland's status in his squad.

"Erling is the best striker in the world," Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.

Asked specifically if Haaland would start on Sunday, Guardiola was less clear, but reiterated his belief the the 25-year-old is the world's best goalscorer.

"I don't know until tomorrow. But all I say is Erling is the best."

Discussing the challenge his side face this weekend, Guardiola added that he believes Anfield is the hardest away day in thePremier League.

The Spaniard has won just once at Liverpool since his appointment asManchester City manager in 2016.

"Yep (Anfield is the toughestPremier League fixture). Always a tough opponent and a difficult place and stadium, especially with the quality of the players and the managers. Yes, it's been tough.

"It is Anfield. the biggest stages and the biggest games always need big personalities. I have said many times, it's not about the skills of the players in the top leagues.

"In the top clubs the skills are there. I never know one player that is not good enough to play in the top clubs, it is how you behave. How you play in the latter stages of the biggest competitions is how define you as a player. The mind of the players you have defines the big teams."