Erling Haaland has admitted Manchester City’s title collapse and Champions League exit stemmed from a “lack of hunger” after years of dominance.
The Norwegian striker, returning from injury, insists he and his teammates “weren’t good enough” despite 30 goals in 40 games.
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Man City have lacked hunger this season(BRG365)
Haaland: No excuses for City’s slump
Erling Haaland launched a scathing self-assessment of Manchester City’s season, telling us the team’s failure to defend their Premier League title and early Champions League exit was down to a collective drop in intensity.
“Of course, injuries played a part—Rodri’s absence was huge—but in the end, we haven’t been good enough,” said Haaland, who missed a month with an ankle injury sustained in March.
“We didn’t have the hunger we’ve had in previous seasons. I take responsibility too—I haven’t helped the team enough.”
City’s four-year league title reign ended as Liverpool cruised to the crown, while their Champions League campaign collapsed in the play-off round against Real Madrid.
Haaland’s 30 goals included 12 in the Premier League, but his absence during City’s March-April slump coincided with pivotal losses to Tottenham and Liverpool.
Injury setback
The 24-year-old returned to training in late April and was an unused substitute in City’s 1-0 win over Wolves last weekend.
He is expected to feature against Southampton on Saturday to build fitness ahead of the May 17 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace—a last chance to salvage silverware.
“It was tough being injured, but I’m back now with energy,” Haaland said. “The FA Cup final is massive. We owe it to the fans to give everything.”
Pep Guardiola’s side, who sit fifth in the Premier League, must win the FA Cup to secure next season’s Champions League spot.
Haaland’s return adds firepower to a squad missing John Stones and Nathan Ake, but he insists the team’s mental edge must improve.
Key Stats:
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Haaland’s 30 goals include 6 in the FA Cup, his best return in the competition.
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City’s 15-point Premier League deficit to Liverpool is their worst since 2016.
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The FA Cup final will be City’s 10th major final under Guardiola.
‘Hunger’ gap after treble triumph
City’s decline follows their historic 2023 treble, with Haaland pinpointing complacency as a factor.
“After winning everything, it’s easy to lose that drive,” he admitted. “We didn’t match the intensity of teams like Liverpool this season.”
The striker’s criticism aligns with Guardiola’s earlier acknowledgment that City lacked “urgency” in key matches.
Despite Haaland’s personal tally, City’s attacking output dipped to 1.89 goals per Premier League game—down from 2.31 last season.
With the FA Cup still on the table, Haaland will be key in City’s bid to end the season with a trophy.
