Manchester City is facing one of its toughest periods, with only one victory out of their last twelve matches as they slip to seventh place on the Premier League table. Amid this troubling descent, manager Pep Guardiola stands firm, defending his star striker Erling Haaland against the mounting criticism aimed at both the player and the team.
Guardiola has made it clear: the struggles of the champions are not solely the fault of Haaland, the prolific Norwegian striker who had started the season with immense promise. "When you're struggling defensively and in midfield, it affects the whole team, not just one player. If the issue were individual, we'd have spotted it quickly. Erling is very important for us, and we need to make sure we use him right," Guardiola said during his press conference on December 24, just days before their Boxing Day clash against Everton.
Early this season, Haaland was anything but subdued, kicking off his campaign with ten goals across his first five Premier League matches, which included two hat-tricks. Unfortunately, the fixture against Villa Park marked the start of his downturn. From late September onward, he has managed only three goals over twelve appearances, staggering statistics by his hallmark standards.
Guardiola asserted the need for collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. "It's about us, not just one player. When Erling was so prolific, it was about us, the team. We must use him more effectively," he noted, pointing out the interconnected nature of team dynamics. For City to thrive again, adapting their strategies to capitalize on Haaland's capabilities is imperative.
The manager echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the idea of group accountability: "The problem is from all of us, not just one player. Erling is very important for us, and he will be even more important. We must do things differently to use him right." This reinforces Guardiola's belief not just as Haaland's coach, but as the architect of the team's playstyle.
After the defeat against Aston Villa, where Haaland failed to make any impact, the striker himself expressed disappointment: "I take it upon myself first. I didn’t convert my chances. I need to do more, I haven’t been good enough," he shared with TNT Sports. These humble reflections signal Haaland's deep commitment to his role and his awareness of the team's plight.
Guardiola's defense of Haaland stands resilient against critics who have blamed him for Manchester City's faltering form. The reality of the situation presents numerous factors at play; the team's defensive and midfield lapses are fundamental challenges. "Without him, we would be worse off," Guardiola has stated, highlighting Haaland's value even during trying times.
The slow start to the holiday season for City includes the looming match against Everton, on December 26, where they will need to recapture their winning ways. A victory is sorely needed not just to settle the score with the league, but to revive the playoff picture for European competitions they currently stand outside of. This match will be imperative, not only for the team's confidence but particularly for their star striker’s resurgence.
After the match against Aston Villa, where they faced their ninth defeat out of twelve games, Guardiola acknowledged the tough situation as new for everyone: "We must adapt, and we must improve quickly so we can climb back up the table. Everyone is working harder than ever. We're all learning how to navigate this setback together. Our next challenge against Everton is pivotal; we aim to change the narrative."
Guardiola's acknowledgment of hardship reflects the gravity of the moment. For elite teams like those with Manchester City's pedigree, adaptation is key. Their ability to transform struggles, regaining both form and confidence relies heavily on how effectively they can deploy Haaland's talents once again. What looms is not just any challenge, but one filled with urgency to restore the competitive edge as they strive to close the gap on leaders Liverpool — currently twelve points clear.
The Boxing Day encounter at the Etihad is set to be more than just another match; it’s the moment for Guardiola and City to make their stand and charge back toward the stars from whom they’ve seemingly slipped.
