Football
15 May 2025
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Erling Haaland Fires Warning to Man City Teammates After ‘Horrific’ Season

Haaland wants an immediate reaction / Molly Darlington/Copa/GettyImages

Man City Struggle to Meet Expectations in 2024/25

In the wake of what he has bluntly described as a “horrific” season, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has delivered a stark message to his teammates, urging them to accept responsibility and not hide behind excuses. While the Cityzens still have a chance to end the campaign with silverware and possibly secure a second-place finish in the Premier League, their overall performance has fallen well below the sky-high standards established under Pep Guardiola.

City entered the 2024/25 season with hopes of defending their league title and contending across all fronts. However, reality hit hard as the squad stumbled through a rough stretch that started in late October. The slump, which saw City manage just one win in a span of 13 matches across all competitions, ultimately derailed their title charge and left them trailing 18 points behind champions Liverpool.

Erling Haaland’s Candid Assessment of a Difficult Campaign

Erling Haaland is refusing to accept excuses / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
Erling Haaland is refusing to accept excuses / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages

Speaking to BBC Sport, Erling Haaland didn’t sugarcoat his assessment. “This season has been tough,” the Norwegian striker said. “It is not nice to lose so many games. It is boring and not fun. That’s why we need to finish well and get a trophy.”

Despite the setbacks, City still have the FA Cup final to look forward to — a match Erling Haaland believes could bring a much-needed sense of redemption. “It is a good habit to reach Wembley and always important to win trophies. We have the FA Cup final to play for and in a horrific season we still managed to do this.”

His words reflect not just frustration but also a professional resolve. Erling Haaland, now one of the most high-profile players in world football, is known for his goal-scoring prowess but is increasingly showing leadership off the pitch.

Injury Woes and Midseason Collapses

City’s campaign has been plagued by injuries, most notably to midfield anchor and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in September. Key defenders, including Ruben Dias and John Stones, have also spent considerable time sidelined. Even Erling Haaland himself was absent for over a month due to an ankle injury.

Still, the 24-year-old insists these issues are not an excuse for their dip in form. “We haven’t been stable enough this season and we haven’t won enough games, it is as simple as that,” he said. “We have to perform better in the big games. We haven’t won enough consecutive games.”

Haaland’s no-nonsense verdict reveals the mentality expected at a club like Manchester City. While fans and pundits might point to injuries or bad luck, Erling Haaland believes the real reason lies within the squad’s own inability to maintain consistent standards. “Of course, we have had injuries throughout the season. But we should not search for excuses. Every single one of us hasn’t been good enough and we haven’t been at our best, so when you are not at your best you aren’t going to win games in this country because it’s so hard.”

A Season of Missed Opportunities

City’s underperformance wasn’t confined to domestic action. After an early exit from the Carabao Cup in the fourth round, their Champions League campaign also ended in disappointment. Having failed to qualify automatically for the knockout rounds — a rare failure for Guardiola’s men — they were eventually eliminated by Real Madrid, a familiar nemesis in Europe.

The Champions League had been viewed as a critical objective this season, especially following last year’s treble. Yet this time around, City never looked like serious contenders. The lack of rhythm, tactical fluidity, and form among key players haunted them in crunch moments.

Guardiola’s Future and the Need for Renewal

As City attempt to salvage their campaign with an FA Cup triumph, there are murmurs surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future. The Catalan coach has been at the helm since 2016 and, while he has achieved historic success, there is growing speculation about whether the current cycle is nearing its end.

Guardiola has always been a master at rebuilding squads, but this season’s stagnation might push the club to consider reshuffling both tactically and personnel-wise. While Erling Haaland’s form — when fit — has remained strong, other stars have struggled to replicate their previous heights. Kevin De Bruyne has had a subdued season, and defensive inconsistencies have added to the woes.

The Final Stretch: A Chance to Reclaim Pride

With the Premier League crown out of reach, all eyes turn to the final matches of the domestic calendar. Finishing second would salvage some pride, but it’s the FA Cup that holds the true opportunity for City to end the year with a tangible reward.

For Erling Haaland, and for the club’s supporters, the message is simple: finish strong, accept the shortcomings, and come back stronger. There is no room for complacency or justification. This is Manchester City — a club that now demands excellence, year in and year out.

As the final whistle of the season approaches, Erling Haaland’s words will likely ring in the ears of many in the dressing room: “We haven’t been at our best, and that’s on us. But we have the chance to change the narrative. Let’s make sure we take it.”

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