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No Pep, No Worries! Erling Haaland Targets Major Titles for Manchester City as Guardiola Concludes a Glittering 10-Year Era at the Etihad
Sameer Bhatia | May 27, 2026 11:48 AM CST

Erling Haaland has urged his Manchester City teammates to maintain their dominance in football even after the departure of Pep Guardiola. The Norwegian striker made it clear that the hunger for success and pursuit of major trophies remains just as intense, despite the conclusion of Guardiola’s illustrious decade-long reign at the Etihad Stadium.


Keeping the winning mindset alive


Manchester City now enter a transitional phase as they say goodbye to the most successful manager in their history. Guardiola’s departure brings to a close a golden era during which the club secured 20 major titles. However, Haaland is determined to ensure that the high standards set during this period continue to define the team’s future.


Reflecting on a campaign where City captured both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup but narrowly missed out on the Premier League crown, Haaland was open about the challenges that lie ahead. “It’s been an up and down season,” Haaland admitted.


He continued, “Let’s be honest about that. But again, we’re going to keep pushing. We’ll keep fighting to win the biggest trophies that we can. Because that’s what everyone in this team wants to achieve.”


A triple departure for the champions


Guardiola’s exit is not the only significant change for City this summer. The club is also preparing to part ways with two of its long-serving stars — captain Bernardo Silva and defensive mainstay John Stones.


Haaland was quick to praise the pair, acknowledging their importance both on and off the pitch. “Of course, it’s been a pleasure to play four seasons together with Bernardo and John,” Haaland said. “And of course Pep — we won a lot of trophies together, let’s be honest about that. I’m just really happy to have played with Bernardo and John because they are incredible footballers, but even better people at heart.”


Paying tribute to Etihad icons


The scale of departures has led to questions about whether City’s era of dominance is coming to an end. Haaland, however, sees this moment as a chance to celebrate the achievements of those leaving while keeping the focus on the future.


Expressing his admiration for the departing figures, Haaland said, “Pep as well, it has been an amazing journey. We all should be really happy and proud because it’s been a remarkable time for everyone. I know it’s going to be tough without them, but we need to keep pushing.”


“We have to continue fighting even in their absence. Now it’s time to celebrate them. We should appreciate that they are true legends of this club because they genuinely are. From the bottom of my heart, they are amazing players, amazing people, amazing humans. I feel honoured to have played with them.”


A fresh chapter for Manchester City


Although the departures of Guardiola, Silva, and Stones symbolize the end of a remarkable era, Haaland’s words make it evident that the team’s focus has already shifted to what lies ahead. The Norwegian striker’s relentless drive for goals and glory will continue to spearhead City’s ambitions as they step into life without their long-time manager. The challenge now is to turn that determination into another chapter of sustained success and dominance.


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