Pep Guardiola has rediscovered his mischief and devilment as Manchester City push for silverware on multiple fronts, despite his recent complaints over VAR and Erling Haaland's workload. The City boss aired grievances after Tuesday’s win at Newcastle, highlighting a missed penalty for Phil Foden and a potential handball incident, but managers across the Premier League share similar frustrations with the system's inconsistency.
Guardiola also expressed concern over Haaland’s physical state, claiming the striker is ‘exhausted’. However, critics note that Haaland played 45 minutes of the FA Cup tie against Exeter City, when he could have been rested. City boast a deep squad, including January signing Omar Marmoush for £62.5 million, as well as Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki and Savinho, meaning the manager has ample options to rotate.
Haaland has not scored from open play since December 20, but the issue appears to be form rather than fatigue. Despite the striker’s dip, City sit second in the Premier League, sixth in the Champions League, have one foot in the Carabao Cup final and progressed to the FA Cup fourth round after scoring ten goals in one tie. Guardiola’s message to his players suggests they are overcoming adversity, with the manager’s trophy-hunting twinkle back in his eye.
