Haaland At Fault? Nope! Pep Guardiola Blames Rest Of Man City Squad For Goal Drought

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 21:07 IST

Pep Guardiola urges better team play to support Erling Haaland, who is in a rare scoring drought, as City walk into a must-win UCL clash against Galatasaray.

Man City's Erling Haaland with Pep Guardiola (AFP)

Manchester City’s Champions League fate hangs in the balance, and Pep Guardiola wants everyone stepping up — not just Erling Haaland.

City welcome Galatasaray to the Etihad this week, knowing victory is essential in the race for a top-eight finish.

Guardiola’s side sit 11th in the standings, outside the automatic last-16 spots on goal difference, and cannot afford another slip.

The spotlight, inevitably, falls on Haaland.

The Norwegian hasn’t scored from open play since before Christmas, with his last goal — a penalty against Brighton — coming in early January.

Despite still leading the Premier League scoring charts with 20 goals, Haaland has hit an unfamiliar dry spell.

Guardiola insists the striker isn’t the problem.

“We have to play better," the City boss said ahead of Wednesday’s clash. “Create more chances — he will score. Never underestimate goalscorers. They always make you silent."

Haaland was rested for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Wolves, left out of a Premier League starting XI for the first time this season. Guardiola described the decision as a chance to “clean his mind and body" after previously admitting the 25-year-old was “exhausted" by the relentless schedule.

“We want him to score for the rest of his life," Guardiola added. “That’s for sure."

City head into the game still smarting from last week’s shock 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt, a result that dragged them into the congested middle of the Champions League table.

Eight teams are level on 13 points, with only the top eight advancing directly to the round of 16. Finish between ninth and 24th, and it’s a risky two-legged play-off next month.

A win over Galatasaray is non-negotiable — but even that may not be enough without help elsewhere.

News sports football Haaland At Fault? Nope! Pep Guardiola Blames Rest Of Man City Squad For Goal Drought

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