Haaland hits back at critics over his touches

Erling Haaland has hit back at critics who claim he does not touch the ball enough in Manchester City’s double-chasing team, with the prolific striker claiming such criticism is part of his life.

The City No 9 has scored 36 goals this season, an outstanding haul but considerably down on his record-breaking 52-goal efforts 12 months ago.

That has led to claims Haaland (right) does not touch the ball often enough for Pep Guardiola’s team – although the Norwegian international points out that no such argument was made when he was averaging practically a goal a game in City’s treble campaign.

“There has always been this discussion on how many times I should touch the ball,” he said. “When I score, nobody talks about this, but when I don’t, people start to mention my touches.

“This is a part of my life, how people will speak and I can’t control what people say about me.

“I just have to focus on what I should do on the pitch and my job isn’t to be like Rodri, to control a game, it’s being in the box and finishing the attacks. That’s my focus and I don’t care about what people say.

“It’s focusing on helping the team win. In the end, you can play football without touching the ball, even if it sounds funny for some to hear that.

“You can do it with movements, the mental part, and the awareness. It’s a huge part of the game.

“It’s not only about touching the ball. Of course, you have to touch the ball, but I know my role in this team.”

Talking to the ‘Men in Blazers’ podcast ahead of today’s game against Fulham, Haaland also revealed he had no problem being substituted by Guardiola late in last week’s win over Wolves after he had already scored four times.

“I was mad for something completely different. I was super happy because Julian [Alvarez] came on and scored,” he said. “I’d love to score more goals. but I wasn’t mad about getting subbed off.”

City head to Craven Cottage trailing leaders Arsenal by one point but, significantly, have played one game fewer.

Arsenal are in action at Manchester United tomorrow before City play their game in hand at Tottenham midweek.

The season then concludes the following weekend with City hosting West Ham and Arsenal taking on Everton. (© Telegraph Media Group Ltd, 2024)

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