Pep Guardiola Gives Spiky Response to Erling Haaland Form Question as Man City Boss Jokes He Hasn’t Spoken to Any of His Players in the ‘Last Three Years’

Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland and a Very Guardiola Press Conference

Pep Guardiola has never been one to give dull answers, and on the eve of a season-defining Champions League night, the Manchester City manager was once again in no mood for clichés. Asked about Erling Haaland’s dip in form, Guardiola delivered a typically sharp, sarcastic response, joking that he hasn’t spoken to any of his players in the “last three years” and therefore wouldn’t be having a heart-to-heart with his star striker either.

It was classic Pep. Half joke, half deflection, and entirely intentional.

Behind the humour, though, lies a very real issue for Manchester City. Haaland, the most feared goalscorer in Europe over the past two seasons, has not found the net in open play for nine matches. With City preparing for a must-win Champions League showdown against Galatasaray, Guardiola knows full well that his team needs their number nine firing again — whether he admits it publicly or not.

Spotlight on Erling Haaland Ahead of a Defining Champions League Night

The timing of Haaland’s goal drought could hardly be more awkward. Manchester City head into the final round of the Champions League league phase sitting outside the top eight, meaning automatic qualification for the knockout rounds is not guaranteed.

Victory over Galatasaray on Wednesday night is essential. Even then, City may need favourable results elsewhere to avoid being dragged into a potentially tricky play-off tie.

Guardiola’s decision to leave Haaland out of the starting XI against Wolves at the weekend raised eyebrows. It was the first time all season the Norwegian had been benched for a Premier League game. City won 2-0 without him, a result that helped maintain domestic momentum, but the bigger picture was clear: Guardiola wanted Haaland fresh, sharp and ready for Europe.

Whether rest alone can spark him back into rhythm remains to be seen.

Manchester United v Manchester City – Premier League

Guardiola’s Spiky Response: “I Haven’t Spoken to Players for Three Years”

Unsurprisingly, Haaland’s form dominated the pre-match press conference. When asked whether the striker was feeling refreshed and ready to go against Galatasaray, Guardiola’s reply was pure dry humour.

“I didn’t have dinner with him last night so I don’t know,” he said, barely cracking a smile. “We will see.”

Pressed further on why Haaland has struggled to score in recent weeks, Guardiola pushed back against the idea that the issue lay with the player himself.

“It’s the team,” he insisted. “We have to play better. Create more chances and he will score. Never underestimate the goalscorers because they will always make you silent.”

Then came the line that quickly did the rounds online.

“I’m an overthinking manager, I’m not a man manager,” Guardiola added. “The new generation of managers are just videos. I don’t talk with the players for the last three years. Less problems.”

It was clearly tongue-in-cheek, but also a subtle reminder of Guardiola’s philosophy. He prefers to solve problems collectively, tactically, and through structure — not by singling out individuals in public.

Is Haaland Really to Blame for the Goal Drought?

Statistically, Haaland’s season remains strong. He has scored 26 goals in all competitions, a tally most strikers would dream of by January. But the standards he has set are absurdly high, and by his own measure, this run feels uncomfortable.

His last goal came from the penalty spot against Brighton on January 7. His last open-play strike dates back to December 20 against West Ham. For a player who built his reputation on ruthless consistency, that gap feels significant.

Guardiola previously described Haaland as “exhausted”, citing the relentless calendar and the physical demands placed on him. This week, however, the manager was keen to remove blame from the striker and redirect attention to City’s overall attacking rhythm.

When City move the ball quickly, dominate territory and create chances between the lines, Haaland thrives. When they don’t, he can look isolated — a victim of his own role as a pure finisher.

Nico Gonzalez Man City

Former City Faces: Gundogan and Sane Return

Wednesday night will also carry emotional weight for Guardiola, with Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane set to line up for Galatasaray.

Both players played significant roles during Guardiola’s time at the Etihad. Gundogan, in particular, remains a hugely respected figure after captaining City to their historic Treble. Sane, meanwhile, brought pace, unpredictability and width during a trophy-laden four-year spell.

“Huge contribution,” Guardiola said of the duo. “I’m grateful for both of them, incredibly lovely people. I’m happy to see them back tomorrow.”

He was especially warm when discussing Gundogan’s influence.

“Gundo was the captain for the Treble season, a massive character,” he said. “A player similar to Bernardo — top player in the top games, big player in the big games.”

Do Former Players Hold the Tactical Key?

With Gundogan and Sane now playing under Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk, Guardiola was asked whether their inside knowledge of City could give the Turkish side an edge.

His answer was refreshingly honest.

“They should do it. I would do it,” Guardiola said. “We know each other quite well.”

Still, he played down the idea that City’s entire approach could be unlocked.

“We don’t know exactly which players are going to play tomorrow and the way they are going to attack or defend,” he added, “unless they have a spy in the locker room.”

Then, with a smile, he concluded: “Especially Gundo, we have been in a thousand million meetings together.”

Midfield Problems Add to City’s Challenge

As if the pressure surrounding Haaland wasn’t enough, Guardiola is also dealing with issues in midfield. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and City’s metronome, is suspended following his red card against Bodo/Glimt.

His absence is massive. City’s win rate drops dramatically without him, and his ability to control tempo and protect the defence is irreplaceable.

That puts the spotlight on Nico Gonzalez, who has been sidelined since January 7. Guardiola admitted he would wait until the final training session before deciding whether the Spaniard is fit enough to start.

If not, youngster Nico O’Reilly could be asked to step in, having impressed in a similar role during the Carabao Cup win over Newcastle earlier this month.

A Night That Could Shape City’s Season

For all the jokes and deflections, Guardiola knows what is at stake.

“We will try to win tomorrow,” he said. “Galatasaray, when you see the players, all of them are exceptional.”

City will be dealing with injuries, suspensions and fatigue — but excuses will not matter under the Champions League lights.

“With our fans,” Guardiola added, “we have to make an incredible effort and give more than we could give.”

And somewhere in the middle of it all stands Erling Haaland, waiting for the moment when one chance, one touch, and one goal reminds everyone why his dry spells rarely last long.

Pep Guardiola may joke that he hasn’t spoken to his players in three years. But if City progress on Wednesday night, it’s a safe bet that Haaland will have done his talking in the only language that really matters: goals.