Manchester City manager tells clubs they need to “adapt”; Erling Haaland could return against Forest
Pep Guardiola is not interested in talk of plans to end the emphasis on set-pieces in the Premier League this season, despite his side’s low proportion of set-piece goals scored.
City have scored 57 league goals this term, just one fewer than title rivals Arsenal, but only nine have come from dead-ball situations. It is the lowest ratio of set-piece to open play goals in the division. Arsenal, by contrast, have built a significant share of their attacking output from corners and free kicks.
Guardiola refused to join calls for a major change to laws to curb amount of emphasis on set-pieces, despite criticism on set-plays coming from various corners, including Liverpool coach Arne Slot.
“Set pieces have started to be an important part of strategy,” Guardiola said. “You can sit and complain, but you have to adapt. It’s part of the evolution of the game.”
Guardiola also announced that striker Erling Haaland “feels much better” and could return to the squad as Manchester City face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Haaland missed Saturday’s narrow 1-0 victory away to Leeds United due to an ankle problem, but Guardiola announced the situation has improved. A final decision, said the manager, would follow Tuesday’s training session.
“He feels much better,” Guardiola said. “Yesterday we didn’t train, now we train and we will decide today.”
City are also monitoring youngster Nico O’Reilly after the midfielder was forced off at Elland Road, with Guardiola confirming that his availability will likewise depend on how he responds in training.
With just ten league matches remaining, City begin the midweek round five points behind leaders Arsenal, who travel to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
“When you arrive at the last 10 games of the season, every point becomes decisive,” Guardiola said. “We are five points behind Arsenal, so we cannot drop points.”
