Pep Guardiola comments on Erling Haaland influence in Manchester City contract decision

Erling Haaland will not influence Pep Guardiola's decision to extend his Manchester City contract.

Haaland, who has enjoyed a formidable start to life in the Premier League, scoring nine goals in five matches, moved to the Sky Blues from Borussia Dortmund in June.

The 22 year-old has scored back-to-back hat-tricks, netting three times against both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in the past week.

Haaland signed for Manchester City despite intense interest from across Europe; with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all having wanted to sign the Norwegian forward.

Despite his contract including a release clause, Haaland signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Pep Guardiola however has entered the final 12 months of his current City contract, and the Catalan has so far remained tight-lipped on his long-term future.

Pep Guardiola looks on in Manchester City's 0-2 win against West Ham.

The 51 year-old joined Manchester City in 2016, and has penned two previous contract extensions at the Etihad Stadium.

Whether Guardiola signs another deal with the Premier League Champions will not be influenced on the Blues' new number nine, according to the Catalan himself.

"I work for City, not for Erling. He doesn't work for me, he works for City. We are really pleased about him, a lovely guy," said Guardiola.

"You see his passion, in the same way with Stefan, Julian, Kalvin, now Manuel, this is what I'm looking for. To be comfortable here, what happens in the future I don't know.

"I have the feeling he can get better. Understand what we want. A question of time, take time for the process. For example De Bruyne, or Mahrez or Bernardo to learn the tempos. Important is comfortable, of course his goals help. Continue to do better.

"Tomorrow is another example, another challenge. Keep going, the bad moments will happen he doesn't score and we lose. Relax, analyse why and next one. It won't change the world if he doesn't score or win. All the games we score lots of goals, except Newcastle we were so stable. This is what we have to do."

City travel to Villa Park on Saturday, where a victory would move the Blues to the top of the Premier League table, temporarily at least.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Ahead of this weekend's trip to the Midlands, Guardiola also praised Haaland's work ethic, following a record breaking week.

"I admire the people who can anticipate what happens in the future, I cannot do it. One month ago he was a disaster, now he's going to break everything. I can't see what happens, I don't know what happens tomorrow. Imagine what happens in two years.

"We are delighted for how he settles. Not just Erling, the staff and backroom staff is so important how they help to adapt the new players and the mates are really good. This is the most important thing."

Guardiola was also asked about managing the Norweign's workload, given the forwards injury record at Borussia Dortmund.

"He's 22. Recovers well, when he's 32 more difficult. 22 not a problem," responded the City manager.