Haaland Says Goal Burden Never Eases As City Pushes For Dominance

Erling Haaland rarely lets emotions slip in public, yet his latest comments hinted at the weight he carries. The Manchester City forward, already deep into another heavy-scoring season, said the expectation to hit the net never eases. It follows his fresh contract extension that stretches his stay at the Etihad until 2034, a deal many thought would settle any long-term worries. It seems it hasn’t.

Pressure Even in Comfort

Speaking on a podcast, Haaland explained how every striker lives with the same fear. One quiet spell and questions begin. One misfire and the noise grows louder. He didn’t try to soften it. He knows the job and understands what City demand.

He said he avoids mapping out grand career plans because football moves too fast. One injury, one dip, one unpredictable turn, and the whole path changes. So he sticks to simple targets. Win the game in front of him. Help the team when the ball rolls his way, keep the rhythm alive. Some players hide from that truth, but Haaland spelled it out.

‘If I Don’t Deliver, They Replace Me’

The line that grabbed attention came when he spoke about his role. He knows exactly what City expects from their No. 9. “I’m the striker of City. I have to score goals. If not, they have to replace me.”

The honesty carried more weight because of his performances. Haaland has already struck 15 goals in the Premier League this season and another five in the Champions League. Supporters cheer those numbers, but he sees them differently. For him, they are just evidence that he has done his part. The scoreboard is not a comfort; it is a reminder of what he must repeat next week.

A Career Choice Without Guarantees

He joined City in 2022 for £51m from Borussia Dortmund, and even then, there was pressure to justify that price. His new contract won’t change that reality either. A long deal can protect a club, but it does not protect a striker from scrutiny.

Few players at his level admit these thoughts out loud. That made this moment interesting. Not a confession, just a glimpse into how elite forwards think when the noise fades. And how even the most prolific scorer in Europe still feels the chase behind him.