Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola has reacted to Erling Haaland’s declare {that a} lack of “starvation” has harm the Cityzens throughout an underachieving season – and praised Xabi Alonso after the Bayer Leverkusen boss introduced he’s leaving the membership.
High 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 during which they fell out of the Premier League title race with a protracted stoop 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) assume there are six or seven groups that may qualify. We’ve got to make a number of factors and after, if we make three victories, we will likely be there.
It’s in our arms. We don’t want to attend for anything. That is what we’ve to do. Win… pic.twitter.com/XMizhTBxAq
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) May 9, 2025
What did Erling Haaland say?
Haaland mentioned Metropolis may “discover excuses” together with “many accidents at dangerous occasions” however finally “haven’t been performing effectively sufficient”.
“We haven’t had absolutely the starvation within us,” mentioned the 24-year-old, talking to ESPN. “I haven’t been adequate. I haven’t helped the group 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 dwelling win over Wolves on Could 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 final in opposition to Crystal Palace on Could 17 (16:30).
“It’s important to get well as shortly as you may and are available again as match as you may. Now I’m again with a great deal of vitality. 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 “influence” 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 gained the Bundesliga and German Cup as a part of an unbeaten home season and led Leverkusen to the Europa League closing in 2023/24.
“All of the managers who had the chance and pleasure to have him as a participant all the time knew he can be as a supervisor,” mentioned Guardiola.
“The best way they play and the best way he improved the gamers, him and Leverkusen need to be so happy 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 recreation in all competitions once they go to the relegated Saints.
“It begins 0-0 and is a massively vital recreation for us,” Guardiola mentioned, including that Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and Rodri stay out.
Kevin De Bruyne’s 35th-minute winner gave the Cityzens victory in opposition to Wolves, and they’re three factors away from sixth-placed Nottingham Forest with a big objective superiority earlier than their closing three league video games.
Three factors would transfer Metropolis stage 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) May 8, 2025
Whereas Metropolis have recaptured a number of 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 looking forward to 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 right away return to the Championship.
Southampton are winless in 12 matches in all competitions since their victory at Ipswich City on February 1, dropping 10 occasions alongside the best way.
