Haaland Backs City’s New Signings to Boost Confidence

Erling Haaland celebrates his goal against Chelsea.
Image credit: Erling Haaland

Manchester City is looking to regain confidence in the second half of the season, with their new signings expected to play a crucial role.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s reluctance to make January transfers, the club has invested £120 million to bring in Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush.

Khusanov and Marmoush made their debuts against Chelsea, with Khusanov enduring a difficult opening but eventually settling into the game.

Erling Haaland, who knows the pressures of joining a team mid-season from his own experience at Borussia Dortmund, was impressed by their response.

Haaland, who scored the decisive goal in the win over Chelsea, emphasized the importance of new players bringing energy and stability to a squad that has struggled for form since October.

Last week’s collapse against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League exposed City’s fragility, making the need for reinforcements even more pressing.

“These players have to come in with energy and their qualities. They have to help the team get better and be more confident. That’s what you have to do as a new signing,” Haaland said after the match.

While the new arrivals are expected to be long-term assets, City needs an immediate impact to steady their campaign.

Although they will be ineligible for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Club Brugge, they will be available for Sunday’s crucial Premier League fixture against Arsenal—an opportunity for Guardiola’s men to prove they are still contenders for a top-four finish.