In the aftermath of a pivotal 2-1 victory at Anfield, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly backed his star striker, Erling Haaland, urging him to remain composed despite a recent dip in his prolific scoring rate. The Norwegian forward, having found the net only three times in his last ten appearances, received staunch support from his manager, who emphasized the player’s overall contribution to the team’s dynamics and pointed to general fatigue as a mitigating factor.
Haaland himself, demonstrating a characteristic self-critical attitude, conceded that he “hasn’t scored enough” and acknowledged the necessity for greater sharpness in front of goal, refusing to lean on any external justifications. His crucial contribution, however, was undeniable in the clash against Liverpool, where his penalty in the 92nd minute ultimately secured the three points for City, providing a significant morale boost as the squad continues its ambitious campaign on four competitive fronts.
Defensive Boost and Contract Speculation
On the defensive front, City has received positive news regarding Abdukodir Khusanov. The defender, who sustained a head injury during the intense encounter at Anfield, has been medically cleared and is available for selection in the upcoming match against Fulham. Guardiola expressed his satisfaction with the player’s condition, confirming, “He’s good and able to play.” The manager further extolled Khusanov’s attributes, specifically highlighting his exceptional pace, intelligent positional awareness, and overall defensive acumen as key components of City’s backline.
Amidst the immediate team news, reports have surfaced concerning the future of another defensive pillar, John Stones. According to these claims, the English international is considered unlikely to be offered a new contract with Manchester City at this juncture. It is suggested that preliminary discussions have already commenced, with German giants Bayern Munich reportedly showing interest in acquiring the defender’s services.
With the title race intensifying, Guardiola has issued a cautionary note to his squad, warning against any complacency following the significant win at Liverpool. Emphasizing the need to maintain relentless pressure at the summit of the table, the manager underscored the importance of consistency as City looks to build momentum from their hard-fought triumph.