Haaland Unleashes Brutal Assessment of Man City's Monaco Stalemate
Erling Haaland urged his Manchester City colleagues to share his frustration following the team's Champions League stalemate with Monaco on Wednesday evening.
City held a 2-1 advantage at halftime and could have secured a comfortable victory after dominating with 71% ball control and registering 18 attempts at goal, but their wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them when ex-Spurs defender Eric Dier converted a penalty in the dying moments.
The way City's intensity dropped in the second period was especially troubling for Haaland, who managed just 17 ball contacts throughout the match - fewer than any other outfield player who completed the full 90 minutes - and he made his displeasure clear following the final whistle.
"I don't believe we performed well enough," he stated to TNT Sports. "We don't merit the victory. We require greater intensity. We should have continued what we accomplished in the opening half. We controlled the game far better, then after the break they gained more influence. It's insufficient."
Speaking later to BBC's Match of the Day, an irate Haaland continued: "I'm absolutely furious. I believe everyone ought to feel the same. It's not acceptable.
"I'm not concerned [about limited involvement], I'm simply fulfilling my role. At this moment I'm not dwelling on that. Right now I'm just, as I mentioned, absolutely furious."
Bernardo Silva Teases Eric Dier Over Penalty Controversy
Monaco owed their equalizer to a crucial VAR decision in the closing stages. Midfielder Nico González raised his boot high while attempting to clear the ball in City's penalty box and, despite reaching the ball initially, his leg seemed to strike Dier's lowered head.
"I didn't witness [the penalty incident]," Haaland maintained. "I'm unsure, but if you strike someone in the face I suppose it warrants a penalty."
City colleague Bernardo Silva also claimed he missed the incident but appeared more lighthearted than Haaland.
"I would need to review it," Silva commented, before noticing Dier approaching for his own interview. The two exchanged grins before the Portuguese midfielder decided to tease the Monaco center-back. "He's notorious for going down easily!" Silva chuckled.
Embracing the banter, Dier acknowledged the decision wasn't an obvious penalty but maintained that Nico's boot had connected with his head, providing him the chance to level the score from the penalty spot.