
Erling Haaland (foto: Getty Images)
Erling Haaland says Manchester City’s recent struggles have reignited the team’s hunger as they aim to get back to winning ways and challenge for more silverware.
Erling Haaland believes that Manchester City’s difficult run of form over the past two months has provided the team with extra motivation to return to the top. City endured a challenging period, winning just once in 13 matches, but a three-game winning streak has boosted confidence ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford.
Haaland, who has been a prolific goalscorer since arriving at City in the summer of 2022, reflected on the rare experience of setbacks at a club used to relentless success. "We are used to winning here, so it has been really weird over the last couple of months. I think maybe it has been good for us to get this feeling, to get something burning inside of you to keep on going," Haaland said.
He added, "It feels good [to have won the last three], it has been a great last week, and we are all happy. We keep going."
A fresh motivation
Despite injuries hampering the squad during their tough spell, Haaland insists that City must not dwell on excuses. "You can speak about how we have been unlucky with injuries and we have, but you can’t look for excuses. The good thing is that we have so many games and we can go straight to the next game to try to turn things around, and that is what we are doing."
He also credited manager Pep Guardiola for maintaining a high level of intensity and desire. "We have a hungry manager who is hungrier than ever, and that is something I love. Seeing how hungry and motivated he is, even with everything that he has won and done for football for so many years, gives me motivation."
Unwavering belief in City’s style
Haaland dismissed the notion that City should change their tactics, emphasizing the need to stick to what has brought them so much success in recent years. "Why should the team that won four-in-a-row change anything? You should keep going. It is about yourself and to look at yourself and how you can turn it around. It is about margins in football."
He highlighted key moments in City’s title-winning campaigns, noting that small details often make a huge difference. "You see some of the old clips from City with the margins and how it can win you the Premier League like the goal-line clearance from John Stones against Liverpool or Rodri’s block against Liverpool that made them win the league."
Scoring from all situations
The 24-year-old striker, who has scored 111 goals in 125 appearances for City, acknowledged his recent success with headers but emphasized the need to strike a balance. "I love crosses, so of course it is about finding the balance. What we want to do is create as many chances as possible to score as many goals as possible and keep a clean sheet. That is what everybody wants."
Haaland’s ability to score from various situations has made him one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. As City prepares to face Brentford, Haaland remains focused on maintaining his form and helping the team climb back into the top four.
City currently sits sixth in the Premier League, just two points off the top four, and a win against Brentford would continue their resurgence after a difficult period.