Haaland Calls Out Lack Of Energy As City Held By Monaco

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has delivered a blunt post-match assessment following his team’s 2-2 draw against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, admitting that the Premier League giants fell short despite his two-goal effort.

The Norwegian forward scored twice in the first half to put City in control, only for Monaco to mount a comeback in the second half and snatch a point in France. The draw prevented City from securing a fifth consecutive away victory in Europe’s top club competition, leaving Haaland openly critical of the team’s performance.

Speaking after the match, Haaland refused to make excuses. “Of course it doesn’t feel good; we didn’t win. We did things unnecessarily in the second half, and I don’t think we played well enough. We don’t deserve to win, and that’s why,” he said, via the Daily Mail.

The match took a dramatic turn late when Monaco were awarded a penalty, which Dier converted, sending City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way. The decision, following consultation with the VAR monitor by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, sparked tensions on the pitch and a brawl involving players and staff from both sides. Haaland commented on the incident with characteristic honesty: “I didn’t see it again. If you kick someone in the face, I guess it’s a penalty. But I don’t know, I didn’t see it.”

Energy And Focus Lacking In Second Half

Haaland highlighted a lack of energy and focus as the key reasons for City’s failure to maintain their lead. “Energy. We need more energy. We need to get at them more, as we did in the first half. We dominated much more than in the second half; they took the advantage, and I don’t think it’s good enough,” he said.

Despite his own scoring contributions, Haaland admitted that individual brilliance alone could not compensate for the collective drop in intensity. The Norwegian’s honesty underscores his commitment to holding the team accountable, even in situations where the outcome could be blamed on external factors such as referee decisions or VAR interventions.

Champions League Challenges Remain

Haaland also reflected on the ongoing difficulty of navigating the Champions League. “Every Champions League game is tough,” he said. “Look at last year, we went out. So yeah, every single game is tough, and there aren’t many teams who won their first two games. That’s how it is.”

City’s draw serves as a reminder that even dominant teams can struggle on the road, particularly in Europe, where tactical discipline and resilience are often tested to the limit. Monaco’s late comeback highlighted vulnerabilities in City’s game plan and defensive concentration, despite early dominance.

The Norwegian forward’s candid comments, combined with his continued scoring prowess, reflect both a personal standard of excellence and a demand for collective accountability. Fans and analysts alike have praised Haaland’s willingness to speak openly about the team’s shortcomings, noting that such honesty could help City refocus ahead of upcoming Champions League fixtures.

See also: Rooney Blasts Manchester United’s team structure

While the Premier League side remains a contender for European honors, Haaland’s assessment sends a clear message: talent alone is not enough, and success in the Champions League requires sustained energy, focus, and composure throughout all 90 minutes.

As City prepares for its next challenge in Europe, Haaland’s words serve as a warning and a motivator. The team must now reconcile its moments of brilliance with the lapses that allowed Monaco to claw back, ensuring that future matches are approached with the intensity and discipline demanded at this level.