Champions League: Haaland issues public apology after Man City’s ‘embarassing’ Bodo/Glimt defeat

Erling Haaland apologised for Manchester City’s “embarrassing” Champions League defeat to Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt, admitting the shock result left the Premier League champions’ hopes of automatic qualification hanging in the balance.

Returning to his homeland, the 25-year-old endured a difficult night as City fell to one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history, prompting manager Pep Guardiola to concede that “the feeling is that everything is going wrong” for his side. The loss in –9°C conditions came just days after a derby defeat to Manchester United, compounding a miserable week for City.

Haaland, whose barren spell has stretched to one goal, a penalty against Brighton, in his last eight games, took responsibility for the performance. “I take full responsibility for not being able to score. I apologise to everyone, every single City supporter that travelled,” he said. “In the end it’s embarrassing, I don’t know what else to say because I don’t have the answers, and what I can say is sorry.”

“It was a fully deserved win for them and it’s not good enough from us. They play incredible at home,” he added, praising Bodo/Glimt’s display. “We played well until they scored their first goal, but then they scored again. Then Jens (Petter Hauge) scores the goal of the year… We did our best but something is missing. The senior players take responsibility.”

Haaland declined to dwell on his frustrations, citing the congested schedule. “I don’t want to speak about how I feel… I try to do my best… and try to get ready for the next game – which is in four days.”

City must now beat Galatasaray next Wednesday to retain hopes of finishing in the top eight, with Guardiola bemoaning the run of setbacks. “We arrived in some departments without important players and they are a little bit fragile like they were last season in a certain period,” he said. “I have a feeling that the results since 2025 were not good… Today was an incredible opportunity for us, but the feeling is that everything is going wrong. It’s going against us in many, many details.”

Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen hailed Hauge’s performance. “He’s a fantastic player… He was really good. But as always, this is football and you need to be good together, and he is part of a good team,” he said, calling the victory “amazing” and praising his side’s collective effort. The Norwegian club could still reach the play-offs if they defeat Atletico Madrid in their final group match.