Guardiola Explains Haaland Bench Decision as Man City Ring Changes Against Wolves

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained his decision to leave Erling Haaland out of the starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolves, ending the striker’s run of starting every league game this season.

Haaland, who has 20 league goals, has endured a rare dip in form, going eight consecutive matches without scoring from open play. Despite being one of City’s most reliable performers and starting all 22 league fixtures so far, Guardiola opted to freshen things up by handing a starting role to Omar Marmoush, who recently returned from AFCON duty.

Speaking before the match, Guardiola said the decision was more about management than punishment.

“There are a lot of games. I want to, a little bit, clean his mind, his body,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“And yeah, the selection is always because I believe that for today it is the best.”

Opinion: Smart Rotation, Not a Loss of Faith

Guardiola’s call feels less like a statement and more like classic Pep pragmatism. Haaland’s goal numbers remain strong, but football is as much mental as it is physical. A brief step away from the starting XI could help the Norwegian reset, refocus, and return sharper.

Starting Marmoush also sends a subtle message: competition is healthy, even for superstars. Guardiola has never shied away from rotating big names, and City’s success under him has often come from that fearless approach.

Rather than a demotion, this looks like strategic care—protecting Haaland from burnout while giving another attacking option the chance to shine. If history is anything to go by, a rested Haaland usually returns with goals… and Wolves may not be the last to feel the effects of that reset.