Erling Haaland
January 2026
Haaland was dropped from City’s starting XI after an eight-game run without an open-play goal, despite 20 league goals overall, with Guardiola citing fatigue and the need to refresh him mentally and physically. Guardiola said the schedule and Haaland’s exhaustion drove the decision. Haaland publicly accepted responsibility after recent poor displays and apologised to supporters following City’s losses, saying he lacks answers for his form.