Pep Guardiola tells human city players to “ask themselves” about hunger…and calls Alonso “unbelievable”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola responded to Erling Haaland’s claim that a lack of “hunger” hurt the city in a shortage of seasons – praising Xabi Alonso after Bayer Leverkusen’s boss announced he was leaving the club.

Top scorer Haaland, who will return from an ankle injury since March 30, said in one season, City said City was “not totally hungry” as they broke away from the Premier League Championship and were underperformed for a long time and were eliminated in the Champions League in the last 16 games.

“If that’s what Ellin feels, players should talk to each other and ask themselves why,” Guardiola said, adding that Hyland was “ready” to return to Rock Southampton on Saturday (20:00 BST).

PEP💬 (Twirling in UCL game) believes that there are six to seven teams that can meet the criteria. We have to come up with a lot of points, after that, if we get three wins, we will be there.

It’s in our hands. We don’t have to wait for anything else. That’s what we’re going to do. win… pic.twitter.com/xmizhtbxaq

– Manchester City (@Mancity) May 9, 2025

What does Erling Haaland say?

City could “find excuses”, including “many injuries from bad times” but ultimately “she is not doing well”, Hyland said.

“We’re not totally hungry,” the 24-year-old told ESPN. “I’m not good enough. I haven’t helped the team yet. In the end, we’re not good enough.”

Manchester City can use the Norwegian amulet as an unused alternative on May 2 as a return to defeat Wolves 1-0, and can start Heyland in Southampton.

“Injury is terrible, but what can you do?” asked Hyland, who hopes to make his debut in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17 (16:30).

“You have to recover as soon as possible and come back as you can. Now I’m full of energy. I feel good, well dynamic, ready.”

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Guardiola: Alonso is “unbelievable”

Guardiola said freshman Xabi Alonso’s “influence” in Leverkusen was “incredible” after his Spaniard revealed on Friday that he would end his nearly three-year dominance by the end of the season.

In his first season as senior first team coach, Alonso won the Bundesliga and German Cup as part of an unbeaten domestic season and led Leverkusen to the Europa League final in 2023/24.

“All managers who have the opportunity and are happy to make him a player know he will be the manager,” Guardiola said.

“The way they play and how he improves the players, and he and Leverkusen have to be proud of their partnership.”

Southampton vs. People

Manchester City can move towards Champions League qualifiers and win the relegation Saints for the sixth straight game in all competitions.

“It started 0-0 and it was a very important game for us,” Guardiola said.

Kevin de Bruyne’s 35th minute champion won the City’s victory over Wolves, with their superior goals ahead of the final three league games in the sixth place at Nottingham Forest.

If the Gunners lose in Sunday’s Liverpool champion (16:30), the three-pointer will move the city level in second-place Arsenal.

Work hard to face south 💪🩵 pic.twitter.com/pmhwxjwiye

– Manchester City (@Mancity) May 8, 2025

While City have regained some forms that have made them the dominant force in British football, Southampton’s defeat last Saturday will make them even more eager to finish the season.

Leicester City beat 2-0 on relegated certainty companions to ensure they will end the bottom of the pile and return to the championship immediately.

Southampton has won 12 games in all competitions since winning the game in Ipswich Town on February 1, losing 10 times along the way.