Erling Haaland has called on Manchester City to rescue their underwhelming season by winning the FA Cup final on Saturday, describing the campaign as “horrific” following the club’s failure to retain the Premier League title.
City will face Crystal Palace at Wembley, hoping to avoid ending the season without silverware for the first time since Pep Guardiola’s inaugural campaign in 2016/17. Currently fourth in the league and trailing champions Liverpool by 18 points, City are still fighting to secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification with two games remaining.
Their European hopes were dashed early as well, with Real Madrid eliminating them in the Champions League play-off round which marks their early exit in 12 years.
“This season has been tough,” Haaland told the BBC. “Losing so many games isn’t enjoyable. It’s frustrating. That’s why we need to end on a high and win the FA Cup. It’s always important to win trophies — and despite this horrific season, we’ve still got a chance.”
The Norwegian striker is expected to start the final after recently returning from a six-week injury layoff during City’s goalless draw with Southampton last weekend.
City have dealt with numerous injury setbacks throughout the campaign, including the long-term absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and several key defenders. However, Haaland insists the squad’s depth should have been enough to cope.
“Injuries have been part of the story, but we can’t use that as an excuse,” he said. “None of us have been at our best. In this league, if you’re not performing, you won’t win, it’s that simple.”
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