Pep Lijnders, Manchester City’s assistant coach, has described Erling Haaland as “a machine to work with” following the striker’s hat-trick in City’s 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on 4 April 2026.
Lijnders, who joined Guardiola’s staff last June, praised Haaland’s character and mentality, particularly emphasizing the Norwegian’s second goal a header he called “insane”. He added: “I love when this kind of old-school striker goals, cross, wait, commit, chip.”
The assistant also noted Haaland’s ability to carry responsibility, saying: “He feels that responsibility. He reached the World Cup.” The win sends City to the semi-finals, with Haaland now on 12 hat-tricks for the club.