Pep Guardiola has never been one to single out individuals when things are not flowing. However, the Manchester City manager has revealed the people responsible for Erling Haaland’s goal draught.
Rather than questioning the striker’s form or confidence, Guardiola turned the spotlight back onto the collective, suggesting that the responsibility lies with the team to provide better service for the striker.
Haaland has set extraordinary standards since arriving in English football, rewriting record books and redefining expectations for a Premier League forward.
Earlier this season, the Norwegian himself described his performances as the best of his career, a claim supported by the numbers.
Thirty-eight goals in 28 games across all competitions underlined his devastating efficiency and his importance to City’s attacking system.
However, football has a way of shifting narratives quickly. Over the past nine matches, Haaland’s goal draught has been noticeable. He has found the net only once, and that came from the penalty spot.
For a player who thrives on chances inside the box and thrives on rhythm, the sudden drop-off has been noticeable and has inevitably prompted questions about what has changed.
Guardiola’s response was direct and characteristically protective of his striker. When asked about the reasons behind the drought, he resisted any suggestion that Haaland himself was at fault.
Instead, he argued that goals are the product of teamwork and supply lines, not just individual brilliance. He claimed that the Man City midfielders are not creating enough chances for the Norwegian.
“Create more chances then he will score,” Guardiola said on Tuesday.
“Never underestimate the strikers, the goal-scorers, because always they will make you silent. He will score for the rest of his life, that’s for sure.”
City’s attacking play has at times lacked its usual fluency in recent weeks.
Injuries, suspensions and constant changes to the starting line-up have disrupted the rhythm that normally defines Guardiola’s teams.
When the movement is less sharp and the final pass arrives a fraction late, even the most ruthless striker can be left isolated.
Despite the recent numbers, Guardiola remains convinced that Haaland’s goal draught would soon be over because his instincts and mentality will see him through.
Champions League pressure and a stretched squad
Manchester City’s immediate focus now shifts to Europe, where there is little room for error.
Wednesday’s Champions League home match against Galatasaray has taken on added significance after an unexpected setback in the previous round.
City’s shock defeat away to Bodø/Glimt has complicated their route through the competition and left them outside the top eight places in the expanded 36-team league format.
Under the new structure, finishing in the top eight offers a direct path to the last 16, sparing teams an additional playoff round.
City, who pride themselves on consistency at this level, are keen to avoid repeating last season’s extended European campaign. As it stands, victory against Galatasaray appears essential if they are to regain control of their qualification prospects.
Guardiola was candid about City’s current position in the table. “It’s where we deserve (to be),” he admitted, acknowledging that recent performances have not matched the club’s usual standards in Europe.
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The challenge is made greater by a growing list of absentees. Rodri, arguably the most influential player in Guardiola’s system, is suspended.
His absence removes the calm authority and tactical balance that allows City to dominate midfield battles. Without him, Guardiola must find alternative solutions to protect his defence and maintain control of matches.
The problems extend across the back line as well. Centre-backs Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are all sidelined through injury, leaving Guardiola short of experienced options in key defensive areas.
January signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, brought in to strengthen the squad, are unable to feature in this stage of the Champions League due to registration rules.
There is, however, a glimmer of optimism. Nico Gonzalez, who has missed the last five games through injury, could return if he successfully completes training.
His availability would offer Guardiola some much-needed balance, particularly in the holding midfield role, where City are currently operating without a natural specialist.
