Pep Guardiola demands more from wasteful Man City players - 'they know it'

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was happy for Erling Haaland's goals but wants more from the rest of the squad

18:10, 18 Oct 2025Updated 18:11, 18 Oct 2025

Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City need to end their reliance on Erling Haaland for goals if they want to have a successful season.

Haaland continued his amazing start to this campaign with two goals against Everton to make it eight unbeaten for the Blues in all competitions as they move up the Premier League table. His 11 league goals after just eight matches are five clear of anyone else in the division as he races into the lead for the Golden Boot.

However, his tally is also 10 more than any City player has managed in the league with Burnley's Maximo Esteve the second-top scorer for the team after his two own goals at the Etihad.

Guardiola was happy for Haaland to steer City to another win but made it clear that his teammates have to start chipping in if they are to continue their run of results.

"He could have scored four or five at the end. He's our key man," Guardiola said.

"At the same time, we cannot do good things with just Erling. Our wingers, attacking midfielders and the other players have to make a step up.

"The chances we create are so clear. They have to score goals. Savinho had two [chances], Jeremy had two, Tijjani had another one and they have to score at that level.

"We have to score more. if we don't create it's fine but when we create we have to score.

"They know it. We talk about it for a long time. In the training sessions they are good at finishing so they have to do it.

"I don't have doubts that when it is unlocked players will score. Omar is a top scorer, Savio, Oscar, Tijji and Phil are so good at scoring goals in those positions.

"When Rico plays in those positions he always arrives in the final third really good. We have to. We have Erling so it's fine but we will be stronger. I want our team to be strong and this is what they have to do."

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