Haaland: Manchester City Players “Still Believe” in Guardiola Despite Slump
Manchester City’s struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, marking their ninth loss in 12 games across all competitions. Despite the dismal run, star striker Erling Haaland has reaffirmed the squad’s faith in manager Pep Guardiola, emphasizing his proven track record and ability to find solutions.
1. City’s Struggles Under Guardiola
A Season of Setbacks
- Nine Losses in 12 Games: This is City’s worst stretch under Guardiola, with only the 2019-20 (12 losses) and 2016-17 (10 losses) seasons seeing more defeats.
- Away Woes: City are winless in five consecutive Premier League away games (D1 L4), their worst run since December 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini.
Villa Park Defeat
- Goals: Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers scored for Aston Villa, with Phil Foden adding a late consolation for City.
- Haaland’s Struggles: The Norwegian striker managed just one off-target shot and a single touch in the opposition box, highlighting City’s difficulty in providing service to their star forward.
2. Haaland’s Perspective
Despite his personal struggles and the team’s poor form, Haaland expressed unwavering confidence in Guardiola:
“He won the Premier League six times in seven years, so we will never forget that. He will find the solutions. He has been doing that every single year. We still believe in him; we have to work harder than ever right now.”
Acknowledging His Own Form
Haaland took responsibility for his recent performances:
“I haven’t been doing things good enough. I haven’t been scoring my chances. I have to do better; I haven’t been good enough.”
The Importance of Confidence
The striker also emphasized how confidence impacts performance:
“Confidence is not the best right now. We know how important confidence is, and you can see that it affects every human being. That is how it is, we have to continue and stay positive even though it is difficult.”
3. Guardiola’s Response
Finding Positives
Guardiola highlighted some bright spots in the defeat:
“We played a really good first half. We had chances, more than in the United game. But in the second half, we dropped, and our pressing was not good enough.”
Adapting Tactically
The City boss acknowledged the need to change his approach:
“I have to do it [change], and back my players, that is what will be different.”
4. Key Statistics
- Historical Context: This is only the third time in Guardiola’s managerial career that his team has lost nine matches in a single season.
- Comparative Struggles: Among the Premier League’s “big six,” only Chelsea has endured a similar run of nine losses in 12 games this century.
- Offensive Issues: City’s inability to score consistently has been a significant factor, with Haaland failing to score in three consecutive games.
5. What’s Next for Manchester City?
Immediate Challenges
City must quickly regroup as they prepare to host Everton on Boxing Day. With their title hopes hanging by a thread, every match is now a must-win.
Guardiola’s Tactical Tweaks
The manager has hinted at making tactical adjustments to address City’s struggles, focusing on restoring confidence and improving their pressing game.
6. Conclusion
Manchester City’s recent form has been uncharacteristically poor, but Erling Haaland’s public support for Pep Guardiola underscores the team’s belief in their manager’s ability to turn things around. With confidence shaken and tactical changes on the horizon, City face a critical juncture in their season. The next few matches will determine whether they can salvage their campaign or face an unthinkable fall from grace.
FAQs
- What did Haaland say about Pep Guardiola?
Haaland expressed confidence in Guardiola’s ability to find solutions, citing his track record of success. - How many games has Manchester City lost this season?
City have lost nine games in all competitions during the 2024-25 season. - What’s behind City’s poor form?
A combination of defensive lapses, lack of creativity, and struggles in attack have contributed to their slump. - What changes has Guardiola hinted at?
Guardiola has suggested he will make tactical adjustments and focus on restoring confidence within the team. - Who scored for City against Aston Villa?
Phil Foden scored a late consolation goal for City in their 2-1 defeat.
