Erling Haaland hailed our ‘perfect start’ to the 2023/24 season but warned rivals that City have a ‘much higher level’ they can reach.

Haaland has been delighted with the team’s four wins from four games in the Premier League, victories against Burnley, Newcastle United and Sheffield United followed by Saturday’s 5-1 defeat of Fulham.

But the forward, who bagged a hat-trick against the Cottagers, stressed that the side will get ‘better and better’ when the campaign continues after the upcoming international break.

WATCH: City 5-1 Fulham: Extended highlights

“We sometimes start a bit late because we are playing the last games because we are the best team,” said Haaland.

“It is how it is. We will only get better and better from this.

“The start has been phenomenal. It’s been a perfect start.

“But we have a much higher level and it’s about working towards that.”

Haaland admitted that Saturday’s win was the ‘perfect end’ to the week, after coming out on top as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year on Tuesday and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year on Thursday.

“We started a bit sloppy, but we ended in a good way,” Haaland continued.

“It was an important win, four out of four and we go into the international break with a really good start.

“In the end we win 5-1 and it’s well deserved. It was the perfect end to this week.”

Juanma Lillo has taken charge and excelled in the hotseat for the last two games – wins over the Blades and the Cottagers – as manager Pep Guardiola recovers from back surgery.

Haaland admits he, like Juanma, is relishing the return of the boss.

“He misses us, and we miss him,” added Haaland.

“We look forward to having him back.”