Last season’s mistake could fuel Erling Haaland’s fire for next season | OneFootball

As Manchester City went down 1-nil to Crystal Palace in last season’s FA Cup final a key moment in the match occurred during the first half. Bernardo Silva earned City a penalty which gave Pep Guardiola’s side the opportunity to equalise. It was expected that Erling Haaland would take and convert that particular penalty. But unexpectedly Haaland handed the penalty to Omar Marmoush. Marmoush’s penalty was saved by Dean Henderson and the rest is history. But looking ahead to next season that moment could fuel Erling Haaland’s fire for the 25/26 season.

Erling Haaland has finally spoken about that moment in last season’s FA Cup final.

Ever since that infamous moment in last season’s FA Cup final, Erling Haaland hasn’t spoken about what occurred. But in a new interview with TIME magazine, Haaland has spoken about that moment. When asked about handing that particular penalty at Wembley to Omar Marmoush, Haaland said: “I shouldn’t have given it to a new player. So all the responsibility is on me. I put him in this situation. I had a good feeling about him. But I should have taken it myself.”

But Haaland added that he has already put that infamous moment and the 24/25 season behind him. Haaland further explained: “I’m quite calm in my head. That’s a good thing to bring to others as well, even when the situation can be a bit wild. I almost forgot it (last season) until you started speaking about it. I cannot keep thinking about last season. That last season was not good enough, this or that. That’s the best part of football. There’s always something new that’s coming. You have to think about what is coming next and live in the present moment.”

Although Haaland has put last season behind him one moment could light Erling Haaland’s fire for next season.

Erling Haaland has stated that he has put last season and the infamous penalty moment in last season’s FA Cup final behind him. There is no reason to doubt Haaland’s words. He is one of the most driven and motivated players in football. But looking at this season, that one moment in the FA Cup final could fuel Erling Haaland’s fire.

It is common in football, or any other sport for that matter, for disappointment or a setback to inspire a player. The penalty moment in last season’s FA Cup final could be that spark for Erling Haaland. Across Haaland’s career, he has always responded to a setback. Whether it’s a simple missed chance or a defeat for his team. It wouldn’t be a major surprise to see Haaland kick on as a player during the 25/26 season using last season’s disappointment as motivation. If Haaland does that he could be unplayable for Manchester City’s opponents.

Erling Haaland has finally spoken on the penalty incident in last season’s FA Cup final. His answer does provide a glimpse into his mindset as a player. But that moment could fuel Erling Haaland’s fire for next season, and if it does, the Norwegian international could go up a level as a player.