The Absence of Erling Haaland
At the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Pep Guardiola faced the media with a mix of frustration and optimism. The Manchester City manager was asked about the return of Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker who has been a linchpin for the team since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Haaland, who has been sidelined due to a knee issue, was notably absent from both the UEFA Champions League exit against Real Madrid and the recent 2-0 loss to Liverpool. Guardiola, known for his meticulous planning and strategic acumen, was candid about the uncertainty surrounding Haaland’s return. "I don’t know. I would like to know but I don’t know," he admitted. Despite the scans showing no serious injury, Haaland’s discomfort has kept him out of the lineup. Guardiola, however, remains hopeful that the striker will be back in action soon, possibly for the upcoming match against Tottenham.
Guardiola’s Tactical Adjustments
In Haaland’s absence, Guardiola opted for a dynamic attacking lineup against Liverpool. Wingers Savinho and Jeremy Doku were tasked with pinning down Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, respectively, while Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden roamed inside to support the January signing, Omar Marmoush. This tactical shift aimed to exploit the spaces created by Doku and Savinho, who were effective in drawing multiple defenders away from the center. However, despite generating 16 shots on goal, City’s xG (expected goals) was a mere 0.73, indicating a lack of clinical finishing. Guardiola acknowledged the defensive prowess of Liverpool but also pointed out the need for his team to be more incisive in the final third. "I would say they defended really well. It would be easy for me to say yes [City missed Haaland] but it would be unfair on the players who played because they were exceptional," he said. The manager’s comments reflect a balanced view, recognizing the efforts of his players while also highlighting areas for improvement.
The Impact of Haaland’s Absence
The absence of Erling Haaland has undoubtedly left a significant void in Manchester City’s attack. In the two seasons prior to Haaland’s arrival, Guardiola’s side had successfully won the Premier League without a fixed central striker, relying on a fluid and versatile attacking lineup. However, the recent performances, particularly against Liverpool, have shown how much the team has come to depend on Haaland’s presence. Guardiola noted that the movements from the attackers inside were not as incisive as needed, especially after Doku and Savinho had successfully drawn defenders away. "Jeremy had the ball and [Trent] Alexander-Arnold and [Ryan] Gravenberch and Salah go there, and even Szoboszlai. They were away from the defensive structure and we had to be free and finish the action," he explained. The lack of a clear focal point in the attack has made it harder for City to convert their chances into goals, a stark contrast to their usual clinical efficiency.
Jeremy Doku’s Performance
Jeremy Doku, a young Belgian winger, had a standout performance against Liverpool, completing 13 out of 18 dribbles and setting a new Premier League record by dribbling past Trent Alexander-Arnold 11 times in a single game. Doku’s relentless pace and skill were a constant threat to Liverpool’s defense, but his performance also highlighted the challenges of playing without Haaland. Despite his dribbling prowess, Doku completed zero of his five crosses and had an expected assists (xA) figure of just 0.11. This statistic underscores the difficulty of creating goal-scoring opportunities without a reliable target man. Interestingly, Doku has never assisted Haaland since joining City from Rennes in August 2023, a fact that adds another layer to the team’s current struggles. Guardiola, however, remains optimistic about Doku’s potential, seeing him as a key part of the club’s future.
Savinho’s Role and the Team’s Youth
Savinho, another young talent in City’s lineup, has been instrumental in setting up Haaland this season, teeing up seven of the striker’s goals. However, questions about his reliability in the final third have been raised, especially in the context of the recent matches. Guardiola praised both Savinho and Doku for their exceptional performances, emphasizing the importance of the young players in the team’s future. "Both wingers were exceptional, Savinho and Jeremy, and all the young players. Except Kevin and Nathan [Ake], we were such a young team that will be the future of this club. We behaved really well, it was a tight game. We just missed being more creative in the final third, knowing that it is not easy," he said. The manager’s comments highlight the ongoing transition within the team, with a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters shaping the future of Manchester City.
Looking Forward to Tottenham
Manchester City’s battle to secure a Champions League spot continues with a crucial midweek fixture against Tottenham. Guardiola, while acknowledging the challenges, remains focused on the task at hand. The manager’s ability to adapt and innovate, even in the face of adversity, is a hallmark of his tenure at City. Despite the setbacks, Guardiola believes that the team can still achieve their goals. "For all the perpetual debate about his contribution to the overall play and beady eyes on his touch count, things unquestionably get much easier for Manchester City in the final third with Erling Haaland around," he noted. The upcoming match against Tottenham will be a test of the team’s resilience and adaptability, with Guardiola hoping for a strong performance and a potential return of Haaland to bolster the attack.
