Erling Haaland's brutal verdict adds to Man City problems

Erling Haaland admitted he 'hasn't been good enough' for Manchester City in recent weeks, as he threw his support behind manager Pep Guardiola.

Speaking after a sixth Premier League defeat in eight, and an 11th winless game in 12 since October, Haaland was self critical after another disappointing defeat. City's 2-1 reverse at Aston Villa flattered them, with Haaland restricted to just 18 touches and one off-target shot.

"It's not good enough. It's not good enough from me," he told TNT Sports directly after the game. "It's difficult to come here but we're Man City we should be out there. We have to continue, we have to believe and we have to keep working hard."

But Haaland did not put any blame on his teammates as he went a third game without scoring. In City's dire 12-game run, he has four goals, two of which came in the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord.

"First I'm looking at myself, I haven't been doing things good enough, I haven't been scoring my chances," he said. "I have to do better, I haven't been good enough."

"We know how important confidence is and you can see that it affects every human being. That is how it is, we have to continue and stay positive even though it is difficult."

Speaking to Viaplay, Haaland added: "I haven’t been good enough and I haven’t delivered for City this season. I need to step up and work harder, I just need to get better. It just isn’t good enough. I will do everything I can to do better.

"We’re not able to win matches any more, we can’t control matches like we used to. We used to control matches way more. In the defining moments I’m failing to score, in the defining moments we’re conceding goals. The margins are small and that’s how it is, I will do everything I can to turn this around."

Haaland has had barely any service as City's confidence sinks lower and lower, but has snatched at chances and looked frustrated when the ball doesn't come to him, especially at Villa Park. He has played more than any City player this season and Guardiola has acknowledged his contribution, but his admission on his own form is concerning amid an endless list of other problems.

Yet Haaland insisted the City squad back Pep Guardiola, reiterating comments from Phil Foden that the players have full confidence in the manager to turn things around.

"He won the Premier League six times in seven years, so we will never forget that," he added. "He will find the solutions. He has been doing that every single year. We still believe in him, we have to work harder than ever right now."

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