Erling Haaland says he is ready for another gruelling season with Manchester City… but warns exhaustion will lead to a decline in the quality of football

Erling Haaland has claimed he is ready to tackle a 70-game season for Manchester City but warned a general lack of quality at the European Championship will become the norm.

The striker, who scored 90 goals in 98 appearances in two years for City, believes the excessive schedule played a big part at the Euros.

And a group of European clubs, including the Premier League champions, are preparing for a revamped Club World Cup in America next June, just weeks after the end of the season.

“During the Euros we saw how tired people were,” Haaland said. “You could see the level… even on people’s faces how tired they were of football, if you can put it that way.”

“I think it’s going to be like that this season. Some people won’t have much vacation. I think that’s the direction we’re going right now.”

Erling Haaland has claimed he is ready to tackle a 70-game season for Manchester City

Jack Grealish and Haaland pose during a training session in Central Park in New York

“I don’t think we can be at our best every game. We can try, but it’s hard to be at our best if you play 70 games a year. You have to try to work with your team and the people around you to become the best version of yourself.”

His manager Pep Guardiola has claimed Haaland should be fresh enough after a long summer break given Norway failed to qualify for the Euros.

And the 24-year-old believes he has now overcome the fitness issues he suffered last season, with an ankle injury keeping him sidelined for two months over the New Year.

“I had my longest break since 2014,” Haaland added.

“My body is rested and I’m ready to go again. It was incredible. I needed it, I was pretty tired. It’s going to be a long season this year too. It’ll be like that as long as I can think.”

When these remarks were put to Guardiola, he said: “Erling has already rested. If he is tired, go to bed early. Focus 24 hours a day and you will be ready. Fatigue is not an excuse. I encourage him to be more focused.”