Haaland is not the problem; it’s the team

The Norwegian "Cyborg" has only managed one goal—from the penalty spot against Brighton—so far this month. However, Guardiola was categorical in defending his star player: the blame does not lie in a lack of clinical finishing, but rather in the team's failure to create chances

Erling will score goals for the rest of his life; you shouldn't underestimate goalscorers like him because they always end up silencing you. If he’s not scoring now, it’s because the team needs to play better and create more opportunities for him," Pep stated

Apologies to the Officials and the Institutional "Factor"

Following harsh criticism of debutant Farai Hallam over a controversial unawarded penalty against Wolves (where VAR was ignored), Guardiola chose to de-escalate the tension. He apologized in case the official felt offended, though he justified his combative stance this year: "Sometimes I have to defend my club and my players. After ten years of absolute respect, if I have spoken out this year, it is because I have the arguments to do so."

A European "Final" and Nostalgic Reunions

The Etihad Stadium will deliver the final verdict. After the stumble in Norway against Bodo/Glimt, City must defeat Galatasaray and hope for a specific combination of results elsewhere to break into the 'Top 8' of the league phase.

It will be a night of high emotions as Ilkay Gündogan and Leroy Sané return to what was once their home. "They made an enormous contribution here; they are incredible people and it’s great to have them back," admitted Guardiola, who also took the opportunity to heap praise on Bernardo Silva, labeling him a "street player" with a world-class capacity for recovery.

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