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Erling Haaland spoke about his dramatic short haircut, Norway’s historic World Cup victory over Brazil, and Manchester City’s squad rebuild after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Coventry. The Norway striker scored the decisive header to maintain City’s perfect start to the Premier League season before looking back on past success and fresh beginnings under Enzo Maresca.

Haaland heads City to victory

Haaland’s thumping header from an Antoine Semenyo cross earned a narrow win over Coventry at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The result kept City’s 100 per cent winning record intact from their first three Premier League matches this season. The game also included a full debut for £125 million signing Enzo Fernandez, while summer arrival Elliot Anderson controlled proceedings by completing 155 accurate passes during the contest.

Norwegian explains new look

After wearing a cropped hairstyle since the start of the season, Haaland discussed his striking change in appearance during a post-match interview with ESPN Brazil. The Norwegian striker said: “It’s much easier. I think it was time for a change. I like it. Of course, I miss my long hair, but it was time for a change and, so far, I’ve enjoyed it. It will grow back and be long again, hopefully.”

The prolific forward was also asked about his match-winning brace against Brazil, and jokingly apologised for knocking the South American giants out of the World Cup. He added: “It was a special game for Norway, because the last time we played in the World Cup we also played against Brazil, and Norway is the only team Brazil has never beaten. So it was special.”

Haaland continued: “Of course it was a special game. We won, it was amazing, it was the best match we’ve played in our history because of the way we controlled the game. And of course, it’s special to play against a great nation, the country of football, where everyone is passionate about the sport. It was special, it’s a great memory and, once again, sorry. Sorry for the defeat, but that’s football.”

Striker backs Maresca rebuild

With City going through a major tactical and personnel overhaul under Maresca, the star striker backed headline signings such as Fernandez and Anderson to cope with the pressure and expectations. Haaland concluded: “Time will tell. We have a lot of new players who know the level. Enzo Fernandez knows what it takes to win titles, was already playing in the Premier League, and slotted straight into the team.

“The same with Elliot Anderson - he played in the Premier League for a long time, has played for the England national team, so he knows what it’s like to play for a big club. We have to try to build something, try to make them feel as welcome as possible, just like they did with me when I arrived at City. I came into the team, delivered results, and that’s what you expect from top players.”

Gruelling triple test awaits

Maresca’s side now turn their attention to European action with an opening Champions League trip to Porto. The Premier League champions then travel to Old Trafford for a huge Manchester derby before hosting Norwich City in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Managing three different competitions within a fortnight will offer an immediate test of City’s revamped squad and their early-season momentum.