Haaland: What happened today represents a step in the right direction, and this is what we need

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has confirmed that the team still needs to play more matches to reach their best levels, following their 4-1 win against Crystal Palace in the second round of the Premier League.

Erling Haaland said in statements to "Sky Sports": "The preparation period was short. Rayan Cherki was with his national team at the FIFA World Cup just five weeks ago. As the matches go on, we will regain our level, and we just need to play some games."

He added in his remarks: "We played well. We have a new coach, but we have been playing together for a while, with some new players joining. We know what we need to do, and we have to trust the system."

Speaking about his teammate Phil Foden, Haaland stressed the importance of continuing the synergy between them and the other members of the team, saying: "We need to keep playing together and understand the positions we are in best, and how we can play appropriately."

He explained: "We have a lot of great players, and we need to find the right way to involve everyone. Foden has to keep working because we know how good he is, and he needs to show that week in and week out."

Haaland concluded his statements by saying: "I think what happened today represents a step in the right direction for everyone, and we now have to build on this performance and continue to develop."