Pep Guardiola has insisted that Erling Haaland is not solely responsible for Manchester City’s dramatic decline in form this season.
The Premier League champions, who had won four consecutive English titles, saw their season take a turn for the worse with a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa on December 21, their ninth loss in a total of twelve games in all competitions.
Erling Haaland Struggles in Front of Goal
Haaland, a once-prolific striker, went without a goal for the fifth time in six games in the reversal.
“First, I’m looking at myself,” the Norway international said to TNT Sports following the match. I haven’t been taking advantage of opportunities. I need to improve; I haven’t performed well enough.
Pep Guardiola Defends Haaland
Haaland, who has scored 108 goals for the team since joining in 2022, was then defended by City manager Guardiola, who claimed that “we will be even worse without him” and that he needs to deliver the right balls in the right spots.
Pep Guardiola Pre-Match Perspective
During a pre-game press conference on December 24, Guardiola stayed true to his theme before the Boxing Day match against Everton on December 26.
He said It’s about us, not just one player.
In the past, the team was responsible for our goal-scoring and Erling’s prolific play.
Shared Responsibility in Team Performance
And when there are issues in the middle or at the back, it affects the entire team, not just one player. If there was only one player, it would be simple, which is why. That’s not the point.
“Erling is so important for us, will be so important for us, has been,” the Catalan manager continued. We must make an effort to use him more effectively and to do things better.
Focus on Collective Effort
We all have a tendency to say, “The reason why is this one, and this one, and this one,” in this circumstance. It concerns us and all of us.
“The guys are working harder than ever as they run.” The inclination to blame this situation, this player, or this manager on the fact that we don’t run or fight… That isn’t the point.
Looking Ahead
“There are a lot of small or large details that contribute to the overall lack of quality that we had. But on Boxing Day, we have another chance.
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