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Haaland's Training: Beyond Shooting Drills

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 24th 2026 at 8:46 GMT by BBC
      Locale: GERMANY, SPAIN, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, NETHERLANDS, PORTUGAL

Beyond the Net: The Rigorous Training Foundation

Haaland's training routine is far more than just repetitive shooting drills. It's a comprehensive, full-body workout designed to maximize his physical potential and ensure peak performance. Alvaro Pernambuco, City's head of fitness, emphasizes the focus on building explosive power and optimizing recovery. Resistance training forms the core, with exercises like squats, deadlifts, and lunges employed to enhance strength and power. Crucially, hamstring strength is a priority, vital for acceleration and mitigating injury risk - a common challenge for powerful athletes.

While finishing practice is undeniably present, it's performed with a specific purpose. Haaland isn't simply practicing scoring; he's refining his technique to score in diverse scenarios, under pressure, and with various body parts. This deliberate practice extends to first touch control, allowing him to instantly convert opportunities presented by his teammates. This focus on holistic development sets him apart, ensuring he's not just a finisher but a complete attacking weapon.

Guardiola's Orchestration: Creating the Canvas for Haaland's Brilliance

Pep Guardiola's tactical blueprint at Manchester City isn't solely about facilitating Haaland's goals; it's about creating the opportunities for him to score. The complex interplay of passing patterns and positional fluidity draws defenders out of their structured positions, creating the vital space Haaland thrives in. Guardiola himself acknowledges the key role of player movement, particularly that of Kevin De Bruyne, in presenting Haaland with scoring chances. This isn't a system tailored for Haaland, but a system that Haaland's presence exponentially enhances.

The De Bruyne Synergy: A Partnership Forged in Precision

The relationship between Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne is the most visually striking element of City's attacking prowess. De Bruyne's exceptional vision, pinpoint passing, and ability to unlock defenses in tight spaces consistently position Haaland for goals. His ability to deliver incisive passes into the box, often at blistering speed, transforms into a direct pathway to the back of the net. Haaland's admiration for De Bruyne is clear: "Kevin is the best assist provider in the world. It's a privilege to play with him." The data overwhelmingly supports this assessment, showcasing the remarkable consistency of their connection.

A Physical and Mental Fortress

Haaland's physical attributes contribute significantly to his dominance. His immense strength enables him to shrug off challenges and hold up play, while his surprising agility and pace allow him to consistently outmaneuver defenders. It's not just about brute force; it's a combination of power and finesse. However, the physical attributes are only part of the equation.

Underpinning all of this is an exceptional mental fortitude. Haaland possesses a 'killer instinct' - a relentless drive to score that allows him to persevere through missed opportunities. He isn't deterred by setbacks; he actively seeks the next chance to make an impact. This mental resilience, coupled with his technical skills and physical prowess, creates a truly formidable attacking force. The confidence and unwavering focus exemplify the characteristics of a champion.

Ultimately, Erling Haaland's success at Manchester City is not solely attributable to individual brilliance. It's a carefully constructed ecosystem where individual talent is nurtured, tactical systems are expertly implemented, and a collective commitment to excellence drives unparalleled performance. He is a symbol of a meticulously engineered success story.