15 January 2023 , 22:30
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Pep Guardiola wants Erling Haaland to be more involved in matches – despite the striker's formidable 27-goal haul already this season.
Haaland was a peripheral figure in Manchester City's derby defeat and has not scored in his last three appearances for Guardiola's side. The £51million signing did not have a shot on target at Old Trafford and Guardiola said the 22-year-old needs to be more involved in games going forward.
"At the moment, we have that process, because when teams are sat in their 18-yard box it's more difficult," said Guardiola "But we have to find him (Haaland) a little bit more, yes. He had enough touches, but it’s true that when you're looking at areas, then you have to look at him.
"But we will do it. Everyone can get him more involved. When we have the ball, everyone is allowed to attack."
Guardiola criticised his players following their shock 2-0 defeat at Southampton in the EFL Cup, which saw them exit at the quarter-final stage. Despite losing again at United, Guardiola said his team's performance was back to how it should be, after their feeble showing against the Saints.
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"We were there all the time and I could recognise my team," said Guardiola. "That is all I can say. At Southampton it was, 'What is this? What was this team?', but this was the opposite. I recognised my team from the one of many, many years."
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Erling Haaland struggled to make an impact in the Manchester Derby (AFP via Getty Images)Guardiola's concern over Haaland's lack of involvement comes after former City midfielder Didi Hamann voiced his fears over the Norwegian hitman. After witnessing the Sky Blues' defeat by United, the German wrote on Twitter: "Man City was a better team without Haaland, even if he scores 40 goals this season."
Of Haaland's 27 goals this season, 21 have come in the Premier League, making him the division's top scorer by a sizeable margin. The former Borussia Dortmund prospect appeared to adapt to life in England seamlessly, but his recent lack of form in front of goal has raised questions of whether he has been found out by defences.