Pep Guardiola has backed Erling Haaland as the “best striker in the world” despite refusing to confirm whether the Manchester City forward will start Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool.

The Norwegian has struggled for form in recent weeks, scoring just twice in his last 12 appearances. Guardiola left him on the bench for City’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday, raising further questions about his role.

Haaland’s dip comes after a blistering start to the season, during which he netted 19 goals in 14 matches across all competitions and became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals. Since his scoring slowed, City’s form has also suffered, leaving them six points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Although Haaland scored in City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool earlier this season, Guardiola remained tight-lipped about his involvement against Arne Slot’s side this weekend.

“I don’t know until tomorrow,” Guardiola said on Friday. “But all I can say is Erling is the best. Erling is the best striker in the world.”

The City manager also avoided questions about his own future amid growing speculation that this could be his final season at the club.

“I have one more year on my contract. It’s the same answer I gave two months ago,” he said.

Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, with his current deal set to run until June 2027.

The 55-year-old also stood by his recent comments expressing sympathy for victims of conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan, following criticism from some Jewish community leaders who urged him to focus solely on football.

“To be honest, I didn’t say anything special,” Guardiola explained. “Why should I not express how I feel just because I am a manager? I may not agree with all opinions, but I respect them.

“What I said is that there are many conflicts around the world right now. A lot. I condemn all of them.”