Erling Haaland drought not to blame for Manchester City slump, insists Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has denied Erling Haaland needs to score more to help Manchester City out of their dire run of nine defeats in 12 games.

City have managed only one victory in the sequence, 3-0 against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. The champions are seventh on 27 points, four behind fourth-placed Forest.

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Haaland has managed only one goal in his past six league matches, though his total of 13 places him as the division’s second-highest scorer. The manager was reminded of the No 9’s recent return and asked whether the Norwegian had to improve this to aid City.

“It’s about [all of] us, not just one player,” Guardiola said. “When in the past we scored goals and Erling was so prolific, helping us, it was because of the team. When you have problems at the back, in the middle, it is for everyone, it is a team, it is not about one player.

“It would be easy if it was just one person, the reason why. It’s not about that. Erling is so important for us, will be so important for us, has been. [We have to] try to do things better, to use him better.”

Guardiola was asked whether Haaland’s strong character means the striker may be able to lead the champions out of their predicament. “In this situation, the tendency for all of us [is to say]: ‘The reason why is this one, and this one and this one,’” he said.

“So it’s about us, about everyone. The guys are running, making more effort than ever. All the tendency [to explain this is]: ‘It’s because we don’t run, because we don’t fight, the reason why is this situation or this player or this manager.’

“It’s not about that. It’s many little details or big details that make us all together not as good as we were. But we have another opportunity on Boxing Day to try and win, time for the players to come back, and the uncertain time will be better.”

City host Everton in Boxing Day’s early kick-off. The squad will train at the club on Christmas night, Guardiola said, and stay there. “Hopefully they want to be here,” he said.