Erling Haaland faced the media for only the third time since joining Manchester City, striking a different tone than in his previous appearances.
Haaland is frequently in the spotlight, but it’s rare for him to face a room full of reporters simultaneously. This is a scenario he might prefer to avoid. Since his high-profile signing in 2022, Haaland has participated in a dramatic unveiling press conference and made a surprise appearance before the Champions League match against Copenhagen. Otherwise, he has largely stayed away from press conferences.
Speaking in New York, more than two years since his initial unveiling, Haaland offered a rare glimpse into the mindset of City’s star player. Entering the room, Haaland immediately commanded attention with a loud “good afternoon,” even prompting a pantomime-like call for a more enthusiastic response from the room, which he received.
“My body is rested and I’m ready to go,” he declared, mentioning that he had the longest break of his career this summer with no Euro 2024 action. This absence from tournament play was tough for him, as he is eager to represent Norway in future competitions, targeting the 2026 World Cup and beyond. “It felt amazing. I needed it,” he said about his break. “I was quite tired. It’s going to be a long season this year as well.” Haaland estimated that he could play up to 70 games this season, including internationals, and admitted he didn’t watch much of the Euros to fully disconnect from football. “There’s enough football in my life,” he added.
Reflecting on last season, Haaland noted the physical and mental toll of missing nearly two months with an ankle injury. “I was not in an optimal way. When you’re injured for over two months you lose sharpness,” he explained. “It was tough, hard. It wasn’t easy. During the Euros, we saw how tired people were. You could see it in their faces. I think that’s how it will be this season. Some won’t get a lot of vacation. I don’t think we can be sharp in every game. You have to try to work with your team and the people around you to become the best version of yourself.”
Haaland’s comments highlight a significant issue in modern football. As one of the game’s biggest stars, his view that the quality of top-level football is suffering due to an excessive number of matches carries weight. He joins teammate Rodri in calling for better protection for players. Haaland’s introduction to this conversation adds gravity to the issue.
When asked if there’s too much football, Haaland cheekily responded, “Well, what do you think?” He continued, “I love to play.”
Haaland also emphasized that City doesn’t need to improve to win titles, reminding everyone of their success in winning three trophies in each of his seasons at the Etihad. He expressed pride in wearing the captain’s armband against Celtic and stated that he’s improved in all aspects of his game under Pep Guardiola’s guidance.
Guardiola, addressing Haaland’s comments about tiredness, was blunt: “Erling has already rested. He was not in the Euros. A month and a half rest. Rodri has to rest, that’s why he’s still on holiday. If he’s tired, go to bed early. And he will be ready. Tiredness is always an excuse. I push him to be incredibly more focused. The back room staff help the players. He can be ready.”
As Haaland left to begin training, he thanked the reporters, receiving an enthusiastic reply that made him laugh. “Good response,” he said. And with that, Haaland was off, ready to take on the new season.
