Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola has reacted to Erling Haaland’s declare {that a} lack of “starvation” has damage the Cityzens throughout an underachieving season – and praised Xabi Alonso after the Bayer Leverkusen boss introduced he’s leaving the membership.
Prime scorer Haaland, who’s about to return from an ankle harm that has saved him out since March 30, mentioned Metropolis “haven’t had absolutely the starvation within us” throughout a season wherein they fell out of the Premier League title race with a protracted hunch in kind and had been knocked out of the Champions League within the play-offs for the final 16.
“If that’s Erling’s feeling, the gamers ought to discuss to one another and ask themselves why,” mentioned Guardiola, including that Haaland is “prepared” to return away to rock-bottom Southampton on Saturday (20:00 BST).
PEP 💬 (On twists and turns within the UCL race) suppose there are six or seven groups that may qualify. We have now to make loads of factors and after, if we make three victories, we might be there.
It’s in our arms. We don’t want to attend for the rest. That is what now we have to do. Win… pic.twitter.com/XMizhTBxAq
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) Might 9, 2025
What did Erling Haaland say?
Haaland mentioned Metropolis may “discover excuses” together with “many accidents at dangerous instances” however in the end “haven’t been performing effectively sufficient”.
“We haven’t had absolutely the starvation within us,” mentioned the 24-year-old, chatting with ESPN. “I haven’t been adequate. I haven’t helped the crew sufficient. Ultimately, we haven’t been adequate.”
Metropolis may begin Haaland at Southampton, having saved the Norway talisman as an unused substitute on his return within the 1-0 house win over Wolves on Might 2.
“It was horrible to be injured, however what are you able to do?” requested Haaland, who will hope to characteristic within the FA Cup last in opposition to Crystal Palace on Might 17 (16:30).
“It’s important to recuperate as rapidly as you possibly can and are available again as match as you possibly can. Now I’m again with a great deal of power. I’m feeling good and transferring good and I’m prepared.”
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Guardiola: Alonso ‘unbelievable’
Guardiola known as managerial newcomer Xabi Alonso’s “impression” at Leverkusen “unbelievable” after his fellow Spaniard revealed on Friday that he’ll finish his reign of virtually three years on the finish of the season.
In his debut season as a senior first-team coach, Alonso received the Bundesliga and German Cup as a part of an unbeaten home season and led Leverkusen to the Europa League last in 2023/24.
“All of the managers who had the chance and pleasure to have him as a participant at all times knew he could be as a supervisor,” mentioned Guardiola.
“The best way they play and the best way he improved the gamers, him and Leverkusen must be so pleased with this partnership they’ve had.”
Southampton vs Man Metropolis
Metropolis can take one other step in direction of Champions League qualification and win a sixth consecutive sport in all competitions once they go to the relegated Saints.
“It begins 0-0 and is a massively necessary sport for us,” Guardiola mentioned, including that Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and Rodri stay out.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Thirty fifth-minute winner gave the Cityzens victory in opposition to Wolves, and they’re three factors away from sixth-placed Nottingham Forest with a big aim superiority earlier than their last three league video games.
Three factors would transfer Metropolis degree with second-placed Arsenal if the Gunners lose at champions Liverpool on Sunday (16:30).
Working in direction of Southampton 💪🩵 pic.twitter.com/PmHwxJWIYe
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) Might 8, 2025
Whereas Metropolis have recaptured among the kind that has allowed them to turn into the dominant pressure in English soccer below Guardiola, Southampton’s defeat final Saturday can have made all of them the extra longing for the season to finish.
A 2-0 defeat at fellow relegation certainties Leicester Metropolis ensured they may end backside of the pile in addition to making a direct return to the Championship.
Southampton are winless in 12 matches in all competitions since their victory at Ipswich City on February 1, shedding 10 instances alongside the best way.
