The concerns regarding Haaland’s form extend beyond domestic competition. After missing a win over Leeds through injury and returning for a draw with Nottingham Forest, Haaland was quiet in City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, failing to register a single shot. Despite the noise surrounding his star man, Pep Guardiola is adamant that his number nine remains the key to City's success and will find his rhythm again soon.
"The lack of goals, we miss him of course," Guardiola said. "I always believe it's the connections and many things create the good interactions. But Erling, we need his goals. We need to create more, like in the [first half], he has three chances there. We have to create that threat that sometimes we didn't have. He will be back."