'I don’t have the answers!' Haaland apologises as Man City nightmare deepens

Erling Haaland has rarely looked short of confidence since arriving at Manchester City, but Tuesday night brought a very different image of the Norwegian superstar. After a stunning 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt, Haaland faced the cameras with no excuses, no deflection and no clear answers.

The loss was not just damaging in terms of City’s hopes of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League group stage. It was also symbolic of a growing sense of uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s side. For Haaland personally, it marked another frustrating chapter in a worrying run of form that has seen him score just once in his last eight appearances.

Despite City dominating possession for long spells, Haaland struggled to impose himself. He managed three shots over the course of the match, yet none tested the goalkeeper. For a striker who has built his reputation on ruthless efficiency, it was a night that felt completely out of character.

Speaking after the final whistle, Haaland did not shy away from responsibility. Instead of blaming injuries, squad rotation or tactical issues, he placed the spotlight firmly on himself. His admission that he “doesn’t have the answers” offered a rare glimpse into the mental weight currently hanging over City’s dressing room.

What made the defeat even more painful was the context. Bodo/Glimt had never won a Champions League match before, yet they outplayed City with confidence, intensity and sharp attacking movement. Haaland openly admitted the result was embarrassing, praising the Norwegian side for fully deserving their historic victory.

While City were missing several senior players due to injury, suspension and UEFA registration issues, Haaland insisted that the experienced names on the pitch had to do more. He grouped himself among the leaders who must shoulder responsibility when performances fall short, stressing that standards at Manchester City should never allow for such displays.

The defeat also extended City’s troubling start to 2026. Since the turn of the year, Guardiola’s men have managed just two wins across all competitions, one of which came against lower league opposition in the FA Cup. In the Premier League, they are now chasing the pace, with the title race beginning to drift out of reach.

Rodri’s red card midway through the second half further highlighted City’s lack of control and discipline on the night, while defensive lapses continued to undermine any attacking momentum. Even so, Haaland made it clear that individual mistakes were not the sole issue. For him, the problem runs deeper. This is no ordinary dip in form, and the pressure is rapidly mounting.