Erling Haaland has disclosed that he expressed his desire to complete a double hat-trick against RB Leipzig to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as he was being replaced.
With a 7-0 demolition of Leipzig on Tuesday night, Man City advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League with an 8-1 overall win thanks to Haaland's five-goal masterclass.
The striker put on a masterful display at the Etihad Stadium, scoring a hat-trick in the first half, including two goals in the space of two minutes, and two more after the break.
All five of Haaland's goals—including a hat-trick in the first half—were scored before the hour mark. Nevertheless, the Norwegian was unable to complete an unheard-of double hat-trick when Guardiola decided to switch out the striker in the 63rd minute.
After a remarkable night on the blue side of Manchester, Haaland told reporters through mancity.com: "It's a big night. I'm proud to play in the Champions League, first and foremost. As everyone is aware, I adore this competition. I'm overjoyed to score five goals and win 7-0 at home.
"I wasn't paying attention; I was simply firing, so I don't recall them all. After the festivities, I was also really exhausted.
"After scoring five goals, I believe I must claim that goal scoring [is] my biggest strength. Today, I accomplished many of my goals without giving them any thought.
I had no idea that every goal was the same. A lot of it involves thinking quickly and placing the object where the keeper is not. I believe that a lot of it is in the mind. Before I left the game, I said to Pep Guardiola, "I'd love to have a double hat-trick, but what can I do?!"
With his outstanding performance at the Etihad Stadium, the Norwegian has raised his incredible goal tally for the 2022–23 season to 39 after just 36 games across all competitions.
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