Erling Haaland has experienced a noticeable dip in form in front of goal, and Pep Guardiola believes the issue lies not with the striker himself but with the team around him. The Manchester City manager feels that a lack of clear chances has contributed significantly to Haaland’s recent struggles, despite the forward’s proven ability to deliver consistently at the highest level.
Haaland explosively began the season, producing outstanding performances for both club and country. His early output was so prolific that many observers believed he could once again threaten the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League campaign. In recent weeks, however, his momentum has slowed, and the striker is aware that improvement is required to maintain his position at the top of the scoring charts.
Impact on Manchester City form
The Norwegian’s reduced output has coincided with a challenging period for Manchester City. As their primary source of goals, Haaland’s influence on results is considerable. When he fails to find the net, City often struggle to score enough goals elsewhere to secure victories, which has affected their consistency in league competition.
This downturn has come at a critical stage of the season, with City eager to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. Guardiola and his staff are focused on addressing the issues within the team structure, understanding that improved service to Haaland could be decisive in the weeks ahead. The striker himself continues to work hard in training as he looks to rediscover his sharpness and confidence in front of goal.
Guardiola defends his striker
Guardiola has now publicly explained his view on Haaland’s situation, shifting the emphasis away from individual blame. Speaking via NRK, the City manager was clear about where responsibility lies and expressed strong confidence in his forward.
He said, “The team. They have to play better and create more chances, then he will score.
“Never underestimate the strikers, because they will always silence you,”
Guardiola’s comments reveal his belief that Haaland’s quality remains unquestioned. If City can improve their creativity and chance creation, there is confidence that their striker will respond.
