Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has branded the club’s current campaign as “terrible” and “dull,” expressing deep frustration over the team’s performance, despite reaching the FA Cup final and staying in contention for a Champions League spot. Haaland, speaking to BBC Sport, pulled no punches as he described a season he believes falls far below the elite standards City has set in recent years.
The 24-year-old Norwegian, who returned from an ankle injury in City’s recent goalless draw against bottom-placed Southampton, lamented the inconsistency and disappointing results that have defined the campaign. “This season has been challenging,” Haaland admitted. “Too many losses, too little joy. That’s not what we expect from ourselves at Manchester City. Now, the focus is on finishing strong and lifting the FA Cup.”
After dominating English football with four straight Premier League titles and conquering Europe with a historic treble in 2023, Pep Guardiola’s side has struggled to maintain that level of supremacy. They currently sit fourth in the league, well behind champions Liverpool, and have crashed out of both the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Haaland was blunt in his assessment: “If you win four titles in a row, not winning the fifth means the season is unsuccessful. That’s our benchmark.”
With the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on the horizon, Haaland sees a chance to end a turbulent season on a high. “Reaching Wembley is important, and winning trophies always matters,” he said. “In a season we all feel has been poor, lifting a cup would still mean something.”
Reflecting on City’s struggles, Haaland pointed to a lack of rhythm and key injuries, including his own absence during crucial matches. “Our consistency just hasn’t been there. We haven’t won enough games. It’s that simple,” he said. “Injuries hit us hard, but we can’t keep making excuses. Everyone on this team knows we’ve fallen short.”
One emotional element heading into the final is the potential farewell of Kevin De Bruyne, who will leave City this summer after an extraordinary career. The Belgian midfielder, who has won six Premier League titles and played a crucial role in City’s dominance, will see out his final matches with the club before departing on a free transfer. Haaland paid glowing tribute: “Kevin is world-class. Playing alongside him has been a dream. His vision, his passing—he’s irreplaceable. We want to send him off with one more trophy.”
Haaland, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2 million, has already cemented his legacy by winning the Premier League Golden Boot in two consecutive seasons. But even his lethal finishing couldn’t salvage what he calls a “frustrating” campaign. After a blistering start with 10 goals in five games, his form dipped, netting just 11 more across the next 23 league appearances.
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Despite his injury setback, Haaland insists he’s fully charged for the FA Cup final. “Being sidelined was awful. Watching from the stands as we struggled—it hurt. But I’m back, I feel great, and I want to help us win again at Wembley.”
The final will be especially personal for Haaland, who first visited Wembley at age 13 with his father, former City midfielder Alf Inge Haaland, to watch the club defeat Sunderland in the League Cup. Now, he returns as a key figure, determined to inspire another iconic victory.
“This club has meant everything to me,” Haaland said. “We’ve won together, we’ve suffered together. Now it’s time to finish strong for the fans, for Kevin, and for ourselves.”
As Manchester City prepares for a final shot at silverware, Haaland’s brutal honesty and hunger for success offer a stark reminder of the winning mentality that defines the club and the high expectations that come with it.
