Guardiola Issues Stern Warning to City Attackers: “We Can’t Depend on Haaland Alone”

Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola, has urged his wingers and attacking midfielders to take more responsibility—and to score more goals—for the club. He insists that the team cannot rely solely on Erling Haaland to carry the load in front of goal.

Speaking after Manchester City’s 2–0 victory over Everton in the Premier League, Guardiola acknowledged the match-winning double from Haaland but used the moment to admonish the rest of the squad.

“We can’t just rely on him,” Guardiola commented post-match. “Wingers, attacking midfielders—they have to step up and score goals.”
He added with a touch of frustration, “I’m disappointed he didn’t score four or five,” while also admitting he was pleased overall.

Haaland’s performance was again decisive—his two goals took his season tally across all competitions to 23, and he now leads the Premier League scoring charts with 11 goals in just eight matches. But Guardiola highlighted the danger of overdependence, noting that no other City player has scored more than once in league play so far this season.

He specifically referenced wasted opportunities by Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Tijjani Reijnders, urging them to convert the clear chances they have been given.

Defender Ruben Dias echoed the manager’s tone: while Haaland is crucial, the team must be more collectively threatening, not just in possession but in finishing.

Guardiola also praised Haaland’s movement and presence, noting the importance of leveraging his abilities. But he stressed that if the team is to reach its ambitions, the attacking burden must be shared.

Tactical & Psychological Implications

• Restricting predictability: Overreliance on Haaland could make City’s offense easier to defend against. Opponents will focus resources to stifle him, making it vital that others pose a genuine threat.
• Confidence & form: Encouraging midfielders and wingers to score can build confidence and increase competition within the squad.
• Longevity & sustainability: Injuries or dips in form eventually happen. A more diversified goal source protects the team from periods of vulnerability.
• Tactical flexibility: With more goals spread across the squad, Guardiola gains tactical freedom—he can change attacking schemes, bring in rotation, or adapt mid-game without losing potency.