Pep Guardiola has insisted that Erling Haaland isn’t the reason behind Manchester City’s worrying recent form. The reigning Premier League champions have lost five matches in a row across all competitions and they are now eight points behind league leaders Liverpool in the English top flight table.

Is Erling Haaland's weakness in and out of possession part of the problem for Manchester City as the Premier League champions struggle?

As a host of Manchester City players got some much-needed rest over the international break, several other City players played a prominent role for their countries. One of those was Erling Haaland.

Pep Guardiola has received a clear message from a senior member of his Manchester City squad over his intentions when it comes to his Etihad Stadium contract.

Erling Haaland made a special request to Manchester City's management to stay with the city team and renew his contract.