Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola demands more from his players, urges them to step up and share the goalscoring responsibility, warning that the team cannot rely solely on Erling Haaland if they hope to sustain their strong start to the season.
Haaland, who continues to demonstrate his ruthless efficiency in front of goal, scored twice in City’s win over Everton to take his tally to 11 Premier League goals in just eight matches.
The Norwegian’s brace ensured City’s unbeaten run stretched to eight games in all competitions, and being at the top of the league’s scoring charts further underlined his dominance.
Yet for all Haaland’s brilliance, Guardiola’s concerns are growing over the lack of goals from elsewhere in the squad. Astonishingly, the striker’s tally of 11 is ten more than any other Manchester City player has managed in the league.
Burnley defender Maximo Esteve, whose two own goals came at the Etihad, remains City’s second-highest contributor on the score sheet — an uncomfortable statistic for a side that prides itself on attacking balance.
Guardiola, while full of praise for Haaland’s consistency, made it clear that the rest of his players must take responsibility if City are to keep their momentum going.
“He could have scored four or five at the end. He’s our key man,” Guardiola said after the victory according to Manchester Evening News.
“At the same time, we cannot do good things with just Erling. Our wingers, attacking midfielders and the other players have to make a step up.”
Pep Guardiola demands more from his player: ‘We have to score more’
The City boss was visibly frustrated by the number of chances that went begging against Everton. Despite dominating possession and creating a series of clear-cut opportunities, several players failed to find the back of the net — something Guardiola believes must change if City are to maintain their dominance in the title race.
“The chances we create are so clear. They have to score goals,” he said. “Savinho had two [chances], Jeremy had two, Tijjani had another one and they have to score at that level. We have to score more. If we don’t create, it’s fine, but when we create we have to score.”
Guardiola has long championed collective responsibility in his teams, from his Barcelona days through to his Manchester City reign. His style of football relies heavily on fluid attacking movements, intricate combinations, and goals from all areas of the pitch. Yet in recent weeks, that balance has shifted toward a heavy reliance on Haaland — a situation Guardiola is determined to correct.
“They know it. We talk about it for a long time,” the manager continued. “In the training sessions they are good at finishing, so they have to do it.”
Guardiola’s insistence on improvement isn’t rooted in criticism but in his desire to make the team more complete. He acknowledged that several players have the potential to contribute regularly, naming a few who have impressed in training but are yet to translate that into matchday goals.
“I don’t have doubts that when it is unlocked players will score,” he added. “Omar is a top scorer, Savio, Oscar, Tijji and Phil are so good at scoring goals in those positions. When Rico plays in those positions he always arrives in the final third really good. We have to. We have Erling, so it’s fine, but we will be stronger.”
The statistics support Guardiola’s point. City have dominated games but missed numerous chances, particularly from their wide players. While Haaland continues to deliver, the next tier of attackers — including Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho — have struggled to convert opportunities at the same rate.
Therefore, Guardiola’s statement come as both a warning and motivation ahead of a congested run of fixtures in domestic and European competitions.
City’s relentless standards under the Spanish coach
The manager’s philosophy has always been about constant evolution. Even after securing multiple Premier League titles and a historic treble last season, he refuses to let standards drop. Therefore, Pep Guardiola demands more from his players because the margins at the top are too small for complacency.
City’s dominance in English football has been built on depth, adaptability, and precision. The manager’s frustration at missed chances stems from the fine details that separate great teams from truly exceptional ones. For Guardiola, ensuring every attacking player contributes to the goal tally is part of maintaining that edge.
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His comments also reflect an awareness of the challenges ahead. With key fixtures approaching — including a Champions League group game and a clash with title rivals Liverpool — City cannot afford to be overly dependent on one man, no matter how prolific he is.
Teams will increasingly focus on neutralizing Haaland, and Guardiola knows that unlocking goals from the supporting cast will be vital.
That urgency is part of Guardiola’s management style: demanding, exacting, but ultimately aimed at continuous improvement. His players are well aware of the expectations.
