The Norway international, who recently became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals, rejected any suggestion that he is indispensable to City’s attack….reports Asian Lite News
Erling Haaland has insisted that Manchester City should not hesitate to replace him if he ever stops scoring, underlining the ruthless standards he believes are required to remain at the top of elite football.
The Norway international, who recently became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals, rejected any suggestion that he is indispensable to City’s attack. Speaking on *The Rest Is Football* podcast with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, Haaland was candid about the pressure that comes with leading the line for one of Europe’s most successful clubs.
“You want to win every game and help the team, because it’s a team sport,” Haaland said. “But as I’ve said before, I’m the striker for City and I have to score goals. If not, they have to replace me. If I’m not delivering the goals and the things they need, they have to replace me. That’s how it works.”
The 24-year-old added that the expectation to perform is constant and unavoidable. “There is a lot of pressure on me to deliver and to do the job,” he said, acknowledging that his role leaves little room for prolonged dips in form.
Manchester City are aiming to respond strongly this season after what Haaland described as a below-par campaign by their own lofty standards. Pep Guardiola’s side finished third in the Premier League last term, ending the season 13 points behind champions Liverpool, a significant gap for a team accustomed to dominating domestic competition.
Reflecting on the reasons behind City’s struggles, Haaland pointed to injuries as a major factor, while stopping short of using them as an excuse. “It’s injuries, first of all,” he explained. “I looked at our defence at one point. I don’t want to blame injuries, and I’m not doing that, but they were part of it. It’s just so difficult to maintain that level after winning so much.”
Haaland also suggested that psychological factors played a role, particularly after a sustained period of success. “There’s something mentally different if you haven’t won it for 25 years compared to if you’ve been winning it for four years in a row,” he said. “Keeping that hunger and sharpness is incredibly hard.”
The striker went on to reflect on City’s recent achievements, including their historic treble and four consecutive Premier League titles, describing them as feats that may never be repeated. “It is so difficult to maintain that level after doing something great, even though there’s nothing better than winning,” he said. “To win the treble and then go on to win four league titles in a row was incredible. I think it will be talked about for the next 100 years, because I don’t think anyone will do it again.”
Despite his humility, Haaland’s comments underline a mindset shaped by relentless ambition — both personal and collective — as City look to reassert their dominance.
