Erling Haaland Sounds the Alarm: Man City Needs to Improve Before Manchester Derby
Erling Haaland has issued a stark warning, stating that Manchester City's current form is "not good enough" as they prepare for a crucial derby clash against Manchester United. Following recent defeats, Haaland views the upcoming match as a "perfect" opportunity to reignite their season.
Haaland's Assessment of Man City's Performance
"We’ve lost two games in a row, it’s not good enough, it’s way too bad," Haaland told Viaplay. He stressed the urgency for the team to rediscover their winning form, acknowledging the competitive nature of the league. "We can’t afford to lose games as there’s so many good teams. It’s perfect to turn things around against United."
Haaland emphasized the need for collective improvement: "We need to all be on our best, get our asses going, get things going, because it’s not been good enough so far." He believes the team needs to channel their frustration into positive action on the pitch.
"Losing’s not cool. It’s annoying you need to use it for something positive. As motivation to do better the next game, and I expect that we are." - Erling Haaland
Guardiola's Perspective and Future at the Club
Pep Guardiola has also acknowledged the team's underwhelming start, emphasizing that he is not resting on past achievements. He understands that continued success is crucial for his position at the club. "I will not stay here when I feel that the club needs a change, but right now I feel I want to do it more than ever after what happened last season and especially now in that moment."
Guardiola expressed his commitment to leading the club forward. "I want to be in front of all of the club, to make my shoulders bigger and bigger, to keep the weight of the situation and with my players, try to do it. I’m not here just because I’ve done in the past." He added, "I like to look forward, that’s why we have to grab success because all the time we are thinking about what’s the next."
New Signings and Team Changes
Manchester City has seen several changes this season, including the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian goalkeeper is expected to replace James Trafford in goal for the derby. Furthermore, Omar Marmoush is sidelined with a knee injury, and John Stones is a doubt due to a muscular problem.
Recent departures include key players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, Ederson and Manuel Akanji. Haaland recognises that the team is in a transitional phase and needs to adapt. "A lot of important people left so new people have to come in and make a difference and people that have been here for years like me have to take more responsibility," says Haaland.
Haaland Embraces Leadership Role
With several key players departing, Erling Haaland is ready to embrace a leadership role at Manchester City. He recognizes the need to guide the team and help new players integrate quickly. "I have to guide the team, I have to help the new ones to come in as quick as possible, because it's not easy to come into a new country and perform straight away." Haaland emphasises the importance of adapting: "We're no longer the same team, but we have different qualities. The most important thing is still to win matches and aim for trophies."
Manchester Derby Preview
Manchester United enters the derby above City in the table for the first time in five years, adding extra significance to the match. City will be looking to improve their recent record against United, having failed to win either league game last season. New goalkeepers Donnarumma and Senne Lammens are in line for Premier League debuts.
| Key Departure | New Arrival |
|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | Rayan Cherki |
| Ilkay Gundogan | Rayan Ait Nouri |
| Kyle Walker | Tijjani Reijnders |
| Ederson | James Trafford |
| Manuel Akanji | Gianluigi Donnarumma |
Haaland remains focused on the task at hand: "We have to perform. Say what you want, but we have to win games in the end. That's what we get paid for."
