Haaland Issues Public Apology After Manchester City's Shocking Champions League Defeat
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has issued a heartfelt public apology following what he described as an "embarrassing" Champions League defeat to Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt. The shock result has left the Premier League champions' hopes of automatic qualification hanging in the balance, creating significant concern among fans and management alike.
A Difficult Night in Haaland's Homeland
Returning to his native Norway, the 25-year-old forward endured a particularly challenging evening as City fell to one of the biggest upsets in the competition's storied history. The match, played in frigid -9°C conditions, compounded a miserable week for the club, coming just days after their derby defeat to Manchester United. This double setback has raised serious questions about the team's current form and resilience.
Manager Pep Guardiola did not mince words in his assessment, conceding that "the feeling is that everything is going wrong" for his side. Guardiola pointed to ongoing challenges, noting, "We arrived in some departments without important players and they are a little bit fragile like they were last season in a certain period." He further lamented the recent results, stating, "I have a feeling that the results since 2025 were not good... Today was an incredible opportunity for us, but the feeling is that everything is going wrong. It's going against us in many, many details."
Haaland Takes Personal Responsibility
Haaland, whose goal drought has extended to just one penalty against Brighton in his last eight appearances, took full responsibility for the team's performance. "I take full responsibility for not being able to score. I apologize to everyone, every single City supporter that travelled," he stated. "In the end it's embarrassing, I don't know what else to say because I don't have the answers, and what I can say is sorry."
The Norwegian striker praised Bodo/Glimt's impressive display, acknowledging, "It was a fully deserved win for them and it's not good enough from us. They play incredible at home." He reflected on the match dynamics, saying, "We played well until they scored their first goal, but then they scored again. Then Jens (Petter Hauge) scores the goal of the year... We did our best but something is missing. The senior players take responsibility."
Looking Ahead Amidst Congested Schedule
Haaland declined to dwell on personal frustrations, citing the team's congested fixture schedule as a factor. "I don't want to speak about how I feel... I try to do my best... and try to get ready for the next game – which is in four days," he explained. This forward-looking attitude underscores the immediate need for City to regroup and refocus.
The defeat means Manchester City must now secure a victory against Galatasaray next Wednesday to maintain any realistic hope of finishing in the top eight and advancing in the competition. This pressure adds another layer of urgency to their upcoming preparations.
Bodo/Glimt's Triumph and Future Prospects
Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen hailed his team's performance, particularly praising Jens Petter Hauge. "He's a fantastic player... He was really good. But as always, this is football and you need to be good together, and he is part of a good team," Knutsen remarked. He described the victory as "amazing" and commended his side's collective effort throughout the match.
This historic win keeps the Norwegian club's Champions League aspirations alive. Bodo/Glimt could still reach the play-offs if they manage to defeat Atletico Madrid in their final group stage match, setting up a dramatic conclusion to their European campaign.
The aftermath of this surprising result highlights several key points:
- Manchester City's recent struggles in both domestic and European competitions
- Erling Haaland's personal accountability and leadership in taking responsibility
- The impressive resilience and tactical execution demonstrated by Bodo/Glimt
- The critical importance of City's upcoming match against Galatasaray for their qualification hopes
- The ongoing challenges Pep Guardiola faces in managing player fitness and team morale
As the Champions League group stage approaches its conclusion, this match serves as a stark reminder of football's unpredictability and the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat at the highest level of competition.
