Erling Haaland issues personal fitness and fatigue update after Bodo/Glimt loss | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has declined to comment on his own fatigue and fitness status amid a gruelling run of fixtures and a difficult set of recent results.

The Norwegian striker was again at the centre of attention following Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt – a result that intensified scrutiny on both performances and workload within Pep Guardiola’s squad.

With City continuing to juggle domestic and European commitments in the second-half of the season, questions around physical condition and recovery have become increasingly prominent.

Erling Haaland took responsibility alongside other senior figures for the difficult loss in the Arctic Circle, also offering a heartfelt apology to supporters, and that accountability has placed further focus on how heavily City’s most important players are being relied upon.

The match in Norway was another demanding test, played in freezing conditions and on an artificial surface. City fell behind early to two quick goals after defensive mistakes, before conceding a third shortly after the interval to a stunning individual strike.

Although Rayan Cherki pulled one back, Rodri’s dismissal for a second bookable offence soon ended any realistic chance of a comeback. Erling Haaland, meanwhile, endured a frustrating night, unable to convert a presentable opportunity before the break as his recent dip in finishing form continued.

Speaking to TNT Sports, and when quizzed on how he is feeling personally on a fitness front, Haaland declined to comment but insisted he is ‘doing his best’ whenever picked to start by his manager.

“I don’t want to speak about how I feel or whatever. I do my best whenever I’m on the pitch, [and] I’m on the pitch quite often because we play a ridiculous amount of games,” insisted Haaland.

“I try to do my best, that’s my job, and I try to get ready for the next game because now another game is in four days so we have to try recover again.”

Erling Haaland’s comments underline the relentless pace facing Manchester City, with little time to reflect on disappointment before attention shifts to recovery and preparation. The quick turnaround to the next fixture leaves Pep Guardiola with difficult decisions to make, particularly around squad rotation and managing fatigue.

With a decisive UEFA Champions League clash against Galatasaray following the weekend’s Premier League meeting with Wolves, Haaland’s physical readiness will be crucial. City require a strong response to secure a top-eight finish, and their leading goalscorer is likely to be central to any hopes of recovery.

Whether Pep Guardiola opts to persist with his strongest lineup or introduce rotation to protect key players, Erling Haaland’s words suggest a squad bracing itself for an ongoing intense period.