Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has warned Erling Haaland's critics they'll soon be eating their words.

Haaland has begun the season with seven goals in nine games, but has also drawn criticism for his performances.

Guardiola said: "Haaland had incredible opportunities, he could have had 15 or 16 goals and the debate would be the same. The important thing is when the ball doesn't reach him or when he isn't in a good position.

"My advice is: don't criticise him too much. Criticise the full-backs , the central defenders, the coach, but never a striker who scores all the goals, because he will... You already know. And then you will feel like you have to apologise."

Guardiola also said that the numbers scored by the forward are not due to "greed", but only to his finishing ability, adding that he also has the ability to assist his teammates.

"When he faces a goalkeeper, of course his main threat is to score, but he has the ability to, at the last moment, make a pass. He has had several opportunities and that means we are playing well. When he doesn't has a chance, that means there is something wrong with our dynamics and our process. He scored a lot of goals in the past, he scores in the present and he will score in the future."