Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has insisted that injuries are not to blame for his side’s struggles this season. The forward has faced periods on the sidelines himself, but says that the Premier League champions have not performed to the standards expected of them.
City have dominated English football under Pep Guardiola and have not finished below second place in the league since the 2016–2017 campaign. Their consistency in both domestic and European competitions has made them one of the most feared sides in world football.
However, this season has been different. Liverpool have already clinched the title, and Arsenal are poised to finish ahead of City in the table for the first time during Guardiola’s reign.
Key Players Missed Crucial Matches
A significant factor in City’s drop in form has been the absence of key players at various points in the campaign. Rodri, widely considered the heart of their midfield, has missed an extended spell, and his absence has had a visible impact on the team’s rhythm and control.
Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland himself have also been unavailable for key fixtures due to injuries, further disrupting City’s cohesion and attacking threat. Despite this, the club remains in contention for silverware elsewhere, demonstrating its depth and resilience.
Haaland Dismisses Excuses
While many have pointed to the team’s injury woes as a possible explanation for their inconsistent form, Haaland refuses to use that as an excuse. Speaking to VG, he said:
“Of course, you can find excuses, injuries, many injuries at bad times, but ultimately, we haven’t performed well enough.”
This response reflects a mentality focused on accountability and improvement, rather than deflecting responsibility. Haaland’s attitude highlights why he is regarded as a top professional, both on and off the pitch.
For Manchester City, the focus now must be on finishing the season strongly and returning to their usual levels of dominance next term. With players returning to full fitness, the squad will look to regroup and come back stronger.
