Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has taken responsibility for Erling Haaland’s recent mini-goal drought.
Haaland has netted an incredible 27 goals in all competitions since joining from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
But he hasn’t managed to score in his last three outings and Guardiola says the striker’s offer needs to improve.
“We have our game, we have our principles but the way we played in the last two games didn’t help Erling to score,” Guardiola said.
“In the construction you can be wider, but in the final third you have to have players in the middle. If Erling is not there, we are not going to score any goals.
“In the past we’ve always had incredible movement in the final third, in small spaces. Now in the last two games we haven’t had it. I would say it was my fault. I don’t I haven’t made them understand how we should attack.
“We need runners, not just Erling. If we only had Erling, he would be controlled by two or three centre-backs. We definitely need more players in those positions. We got it. We need to do it more often.”
Manchester City are eight points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race and host Tottenham on Thursday (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
City have won the Premier League in four of the last five seasons and Guardiola says he is enjoying the chase so far this term.
“I prefer to be eight points ahead but I like to manage this situation, I love it,” he added.
“I have to find something to make the team better. I’m the man responsible. When the players don’t play well, if they don’t feel like doing it, it’s because something is wrong in my decisions. We have to find it.
“People don’t think about memories, how good we were. When I die people will talk about how good Pep is. That’s for sure.
“But since we’ve been here, people expect us to play well, win the games and try to find the way. Otherwise – pep out.
“That’s how our jobs work – and I want Pep! I want to stay here, that’s what I want, and for that we have to win games and be present in all competitions.”
