Pep Guardiola has maintained that Erling Haaland is not solely accountable for Manchester City’s significant decline in performance this season.
The opposite also signified Haaland’s fifth game without a goal in six matches, despite being a previously prolific striker. Following the match, the Norway international stated to TNT Sports: “Initially, I’m focusing on myself.” I haven’t been converting my opportunities. “I must improve; I haven’t met the necessary standards.”
City manager Guardiola later supported Haaland, who has netted 108 goals for the team since his arrival in 2022, asserting that “without him we would be much worse” and that “he must receive the correct passes in the appropriate areas.”
Guardiola maintained his focus on Tuesday during a pre-match press conference prior to Thursday’s Boxing Day game at home against Everton.
“It’s not just about a single player; it’s about us,” he stated. “In the past, when we scored goals and Erling was incredibly prolific in assisting us, it was due to the team.” When issues arise in the back or in the center, it affects everyone; it’s a collective effort and not solely dependent on one individual. It would be simple, if it were only one player, the explanation why. “It’s not concerning that.”
The Catalan manager stated: “Erling is incredibly vital for us, will remain crucial for us, has always been.” (We need to) work on improving our methods, to utilize him more effectively.
“In this circumstance, we all tend to say, ‘the reasons are this one, this one, and this one’.” It concerns us, it concerns all people.
“The guys are sprinting, exerting themselves like never before.” All the tendency is to say ‘it’s due to our lack of running, our lack of fighting; the cause is this situation, this player, or this manager’… That’s not the issue.
“It’s various small or large aspects that combine to make us not as good as we once were.” “However, we have an additional chance on Boxing Day.”
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