Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday that the team could not count on Erling Haaland to win the Champions League alone this season after a brilliant start in England. The Norwegian striker has scored 10 goals in his first six Premier League matches after a £ 51m ($ 58m) transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
“All the players who came here were brought here by the club to make us feel better,” said Guardiola ahead of Sevilla’s first group match on Tuesday.
If we rely on Erling’s back, we will not win the Champions League. “
City reached the semi-finals of last season’s competition before a surprise comeback from Real Madrid cost them a chance to win their first European title.
The Premier League champions brought midfielder Calvin Phillips, Argentine striker Julian Alvarez and defective defenders Manuel and Sergio Gomez to England to strengthen the squad.
Haaland’s capture was the key operation, however, and Guardiola is hoping to take City to the trophy in Istanbul next June.
“I hope we can do it,” said Guardiola.
“He came here because we convinced him. We had no strikers and he thought he could play with us.
“He settled in well, as did Julian and the other new players.
“I fully understand why everyone is talking about Erling, but I have six new players and I want them to join as soon as possible.
“We will not win thanks to Erling alone, but he has a special talent and can definitely help us solve problems. But if we don’t play well, we won’t.
City will remain without defensive pairing Kyle Walker and John Stones against Sevilla
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Walker went limp at the end of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, while the Stones also played a short spell.
“(They) are hurt. Giovanni is not much. Kyle is not much, but I don’t know if he will be ready for Saturday or Dortmund or Wolves before the international break, “said Guardiola.
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