Erling Haaland says Manchester City must win FA Cup final to salvage horrific season

Manchester City seek redemption against Crystal Palace in FA Cup final after losing Premier League title to Liverpool.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland returns to the lineup during the Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England, on May 10, 2025. Photo by Glyn Kirk/AFP

By Randy Ahmad and Amanda Zahra

Erling Haaland has insisted that Manchester City must beat Crystal Palace in Saturday's FA Cup final to rescue what he described as a “horrific” season for the Premier League giants. The Norwegian striker made the stark assessment as City prepare to take the pitch at Wembley with their only remaining chance to lift silverware after a campaign marred by domestic underperformance and a humiliating European exit.

City's season hangs on Wembley showdown

City’s trip to Wembley to face Crystal Palace represents more than just another shot at a trophy—it’s an opportunity to salvage pride after a campaign that has fallen well below the high standards set under Pep Guardiola. For the first time since the 2016/17 season, Guardiola’s debut year in Manchester, City are facing the grim prospect of ending a season without a trophy.

The defending champions were dethroned emphatically by Liverpool, who secured the Premier League title with two games to spare. As it stands, City trail the Reds by 18 points and have slipped to fourth place. Their grip on a Champions League qualifying spot is anything but secure, with two league games remaining and pressure mounting from chasing teams.

For Haaland, who was speaking to the BBC ahead of the final, the need to win on Saturday is about more than just adding another medal to his collection—it’s about redeeming a year that has gone off the rails.

“This season has been tough,” he said. “It is not nice to lose so many games. It is boring and not fun. That's why we need to finish well and get a trophy.”

Haaland's frustration mirrors broader disappointment

Despite being one of the most prolific scorers in the Premier League, Haaland has been vocal about his frustration with how the season has unfolded. His return to the starting lineup in last weekend’s 0-0 draw against Southampton marked the end of a six-week injury absence, but his comeback has done little to paper over City’s larger cracks.

For Haaland, the FA Cup final is not just a symbolic chance at redemption—it’s the only thing separating this campaign from being a total failure. “It is a good habit to reach Wembley and always important to win trophies. We have the FA Cup final to play for and in a horrific season we still managed to do this,” he said.

His use of the word “horrific” is telling. For a player who arrived at City with the promise of endless silverware and European dominance, the reality of this season—a fourth-place domestic finish and a Champions League exit before the round of 16—has been a stark contrast.

Champions League collapse compounded City’s woes

City’s early exit from the Champions League only intensified the criticism. Knocked out in the play-off round by Real Madrid, Guardiola’s side failed to reach the last 16 for the first time in 12 years. The abrupt end to their European campaign was a shock to the system for a club that has invested heavily with the specific aim of continental success.

The exit not only embarrassed City on the biggest stage, it also raised uncomfortable questions about the squad’s depth, leadership, and long-term direction under Guardiola. In a season already riddled with inconsistency and injuries, the Champions League failure was the ultimate gut punch.

Injuries no excuse, says Haaland

Injuries have certainly played a role in City’s struggles. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri missed most of the season with a knee injury, and key defenders were regularly sidelined throughout the campaign. Haaland himself was out for six weeks at a crucial juncture, missing decisive matches in both the league and Europe.

But the Norwegian striker refused to use injuries as a scapegoat. “Of course, we have had injuries throughout the season. But we should not search for excuses,” he said. “Every single one of us hasn't been good enough and we haven't been at our best, so when you are not at your best you aren't going to win games in this country because it's so hard.”

His comments highlight the internal reckoning taking place within the squad. Acknowledging their shortcomings publicly is a clear sign of accountability—but also an admission that things must change.

Guardiola's legacy at a crossroads?

As Guardiola heads into the FA Cup final, questions about his long-term future at City have begun to re-emerge. The Spaniard has previously indicated that his time in Manchester is not indefinite, and another trophyless season could accelerate any exit plans.

Under his leadership, City have transformed into a domestic juggernaut, winning five of the last six Premier League titles and multiple domestic cups. However, the club’s inability to consistently translate that dominance to the European stage continues to be a glaring omission on his résumé.

A win at Wembley would at least ensure the season ends with silverware. A loss, however, would complete a full collapse and trigger a summer of uncomfortable conversations at the Etihad.

Crystal Palace stand in the way

City's opponents on Saturday are not to be underestimated. Crystal Palace have defied expectations to reach the FA Cup final and will be desperate to claim their first major trophy in modern history. Under manager Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have transformed into a disciplined, counterattacking side that thrives in high-pressure situations.

While City are the overwhelming favorites on paper, the pressure of needing to win might weigh more heavily on Guardiola's men. Palace enter the game with nothing to lose and everything to gain—arguably a far better mental position.

Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, Manchester City are expected to undergo significant changes in the summer. The club will likely look to reinforce the squad, particularly in defense and midfield, where injuries and form issues have hurt them most.

There are also persistent rumors about key players potentially leaving, including speculation around Kevin De Bruyne’s future amid interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Haaland, whose own name has been linked with a future move to Real Madrid, has so far remained committed to the club. But without tangible success, even the loyalty of world-class talents could come into question.

One final shot at redemption

As City prepare for their final showdown of the season, the stakes could hardly be higher. The FA Cup final against Crystal Palace is more than a chance to add another trophy to the club’s collection—it’s an opportunity to redeem a campaign that has fallen drastically short of expectations.

For Erling Haaland and Manchester City, lifting the FA Cup on Saturday isn’t just desirable—it’s absolutely essential.