Manchester City striker Erling Haaland admitted his form was not good enough after his side's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Defeat at Villa Park ensured Villa fell to a sixth defeat in eight Premier League games, moving Pep Guardiola's side down to sixth in the league, nine points behind title rivals Liverpool, who have two game in hand too. The Premier League champions have now also recorded their ninth defeat in 12 games across all competitions.
While the points have dried up for City, Haaland has failed to score in each of his last three games. The Norwegian forward has found the back of the net once in his last six games in all competitions.
The two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner's struggles in front of goal were further highlighted as he managed just one touch in the opposition area against Villa.
Talking to TNT sports after the match, Haaland gave an honest assessment of his performance and admitted that it was difficult to find confidence.
“First of all I look at myself, I haven't been doing things well enough,” he said.
“I haven't been getting my chances so I have to do better. There's a lot of it on me and I haven't been good enough. Of course, (confidence is) not the best. You know We know how important confidence is and you can see that it affects everyone.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after full time at Villa Park
Haaland's boss Pep Guardiola is suffering from his worst run as a manager, however, City's number 9 is keeping faith that he will turn things around.
“He will find the solutions,” Haaland said.
“He won the Premier League six times in seven years, so we will never forget that. We still believe in him, we have to work harder than ever now.”
Guardiola was asked about Haaland's comments in his post-match press conference but disagreed with his striker's comments.
“Without him, we would be even worse,” said Guardiola.
“I don't agree with it but I like players to feel like this is the only chance we have to get better. There are two options (to be selfish), the another to blame those next to you in charge of them.
“We tried but in the end, he has to deliver the right balls in the right places.”
