Erling Haaland should not have apologised for Bodo/Glimt defeat, insists Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that Erling Haaland needed not to apologise for the defeat to Bodo/Glimt in midweek.

The Norwegian striker’s reaction to the loss reflected the wider frustration within the City camp after a difficult sequence of results, which began with defeat in the Manchester derby and continued in challenging circumstances in the Arctic Circle.

City struggled to find any rhythm on an artificial surface, were punished for defensive lapses, and ultimately found themselves chasing a game that slipped beyond reach after going two goals behind early on.

Haaland has also been navigating a rare dip in form, finding opportunities limited against Bodo/Glimt and was unable to convert one of his clearer chances before the interval. However, Guardiola has consistently stressed that responsibility for defeat cannot be placed on one individual.

That theme has run through Guardiola’s recent press conferences, including his comments this week when he described Arsenal as “the best team in the world” and admitted City must stay close in the title race to give themselves “one chance” to catch them.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Manchester City’s weekend clash against Wolves, Pep Guardiola was also quizzed on Erling Haaland’s post-match comments with broadcasters in which the Norwegian issued an apology to supporters.

“He has not to apologise. He has to do his best, and he’s trying,” Guardiola insisted during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

“And when the team doesn’t win, it’s not belonging to one player. It’s for everything, everyone! Don’t apologise. Apologise to yourself, and give everything.”

Offering his thoughts on the first-team squad’s decision to reimburse travelling fans for their ticket cost in the Arctic Circle, Guardiola acknowledged, “It’s one of the best group of captains that Man City has had since I’m here.

“Bernardo [Silva], Ruben [Dias], Rodri, Erling [Haaland] are extraordinary. Extraordinary. In many things, in many details, how they are close to the club, to the team, to do decisions for the best.”

Those comments reinforce the picture of a dressing room that remains tightly bonded despite recent setbacks, and the decision to cover ticket costs for supporters was viewed internally as a gesture of accountability and respect.

Attention now turns to the Premier League clash with Wolves, a fixture that feels pivotal after consecutive defeats. A strong performance could reset the narrative, ease pressure, and provide a platform for renewed momentum both domestically and in Europe.

With a decisive Champions League game against Galatasaray also looming to secure a top-eight finish, Guardiola’s defence of Haaland serves as a reminder that City’s ambitions remain collective.