Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has acknowledged the challenges he faces in dealing with the heightened attention he has garnered in recent years.
Following his departure from Red Bull Salzburg in 2020, Haaland’s remarkable ascent includes making a significant impact in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and setting numerous records with Manchester City, leading them to success in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Now a prominent figure in the world of football, Haaland drew significant attention following Norway’s recent 4-0 victory over Cyprus. During the match, he scored two goals, bringing his total to 27 in 27 appearances for the national team.
After the game, security personnel had to intervene as a crowd of enthusiastic fans swarmed the pitch, eager to capture pictures with him and possibly secure his shirt as a memento.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support, Haaland remarked,
“Of course, I greatly appreciate the support. That’s what I wanted to do when I was little, so I’m not particularly complaining about it,” he told TV2.
“I’m starting to get a little tired of my own name, but that’s how it is. There is not much I can do about it.”
Currently, Haaland is going through a three-match goal drought at the club level, failing to score against Wolverhampton Wanderers, RB Leipzig, and Arsenal.
This goalless streak is not typical for Haaland, but City manager Pep Guardiola has consistently dismissed criticism of the Norwegian player. Guardiola stated before the international break, “He’s had incredible chances and could have easily scored 14, 15 goals by now.
What’s crucial is that he always acknowledges, ‘I had the chance, I had the chance, I had the chance.’ The issue arises when I don’t have opportunities, don’t receive the ball, or find myself in the wrong position.” Guardiola’s advice is to avoid excessive criticism of Erling. Instead, he suggests directing criticism towards the full-back, central defender, or the manager. Guardiola emphasizes that one should never criticize the striker who has scored numerous goals because he will deliver, and then there will be a need for an apology.
