Forward says his and Manchester City’s performances this term have “not been good enough”
Erling Haaland admitted his season has been “too up and down” despite producing a hat trick in Manchester City’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Liverpool.
The striker has struggled for consistency in 2026 after scoring most of his goals before Christmas, but he delivered his first club hat-trick since August 2024 to help City reach a record eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final.
“It has been too up and down which has not been good enough,” Haaland said regarding his and City’s form. “For now it is a long week for us because we are not in the Champions League, which is not good enough, but we have to face Chelsea which is another game.”
Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot before adding a header just before half-time. He completed his hat trick in the second half, finishing a move from Nico O’Reilly with a shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
With Pep Guardiola suspended, assistant Pep Lijnders took charge on the touchline and praised Haaland’s performance, particularly his second goal from Antoine Semenyo’s cross.
“I’ve worked with a lot of good strikers, with a lot of goals,” Lijnders said. “The second goal was insane, the way he attacked, the way he puts the ball to the corner. I love these old-school striker goals.”
Haaland had been given extra rest during the international break, featuring in only one of Norway’s two matches. Lijnders said the reduced workload may have helped the 25-year-old return to form.
“It is crazy what we are asking [of Haaland],” he said. “Press and run in the box and keep the ball. There are a lot of things we ask and to do that every three days.
“Not everything in a long season will go your way but it shows character and mentality that he comes back in that fashion. He is a machine to work with.”
