LONDON: Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland will find his form while the rest of his Manchester City team-mates step up their game but has not ruled out signings in the January transfer window as they face the Premier League. Want to restore the fortunes of champions.
City are enduring a slump unlike any Guardiola has seen in his illustrious managerial career, losing eight and winning just one of their last 11 games in all competitions.
The slump has seen a typically flourishing Hollande, a key figure as City have won four consecutive Premier League titles, denied service and chances, scoring just once in his last five appearances.
However, Guardiola said he has no interest in returning to the ‘false nine’ system that has worked so well for him in the past.
“I prefer to play with Erling,” Guardiola said ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa.
“I don’t think in the situation that I have that I wouldn’t let Erling play – not at all. No, no, I haven’t thought about that. “I’ve always had a false nine, especially for the quality of the players. i play I have it at this moment.
“Some games are man-to-man, I like playing against false nines but I have an Erling, I have to adapt.”
The Catalan boss added: “I see him well, I see him well. Maybe the reason why he is not so productive in this situation is because of the way we are playing, that we have so many chances. Not being able to create what we were able to do in the past “It’s not easy for him when he’s surrounded by two or three or four central defenders. We have to play better to create spaces for him.”