Manchester City icon disagrees with Erling Haaland's critique of his team over mediocre season

Manchester City legend Paul Dickov has pushed back against Erling Haaland’s harsh assessment of the club’s underwhelming campaign, insisting a potential FA Cup triumph would still salvage their season. The debate over City’s “success” has divided fans and pundits alike, with Haaland dismissing silverware as insufficient consolation for their Premier League collapse—but Dickov argues context and legacy demand a more nuanced view.

Paul Dickov’s defense of Manchester City’s campaign

Paul Dickov, who scored one of City’s most iconic FA Cup goals in 1999, challenged Erling Haaland’s bleak outlook during an interview with Sky Sports.

“If you’d said at the start of the season they’d finish third and win the FA Cup, people would be disappointed,” he admitted. “But given how it’s unfolded, you’ve got to call it successful. Most clubs would snap your hand off for that.”

The former striker highlighted mitigating factors behind City’s struggles:

Unprecedented Standards: City’s dominance over the past decade (six Premier League titles, a treble) made sustaining success “virtually impossible.”

Midseason Collapse: A nine-game winless streak—“unthinkable” for a Guardiola side—derailed their title defense.

Champions League Qualification: Securing top-four football remains a baseline achievement for elite clubs.

Erling Haaland’s frustration vs. Dickov’s pragmatism

Haaland had earlier claimed an FA Cup win wouldn’t “make up” for City’s failures, but Paul Dickov countered:

“Qualifying for the Champions League and lifting a trophy? That’s success. The bar here is just astronomically high.”

Kevin De Bruyne’s swan song and palace threat

Saturday’s final against Crystal Palace isn’t just about redemption—it’s a farewell stage for Kevin De Bruyne, who will depart after a decade of service. Dickov praised the Belgian’s quiet leadership:

“He doesn’t shout, but he elevates everyone. Ask Erling Haaland or [Sergio] Agüero—they’ll tell you he’s the best they’ve played with.”

However, Palace pose a genuine threat. Oliver Glasner’s side took the lead in both league meetings this season, exploiting City’s defensive frailties. Dickov warned:

“Wembley’s big pitch can overwhelm teams… but City’s experience in finals might edge it.”

For Erling Haaland, raised on Guardiola’s perfectionism, “success” means dominance. For Paul Dickov, steeped in City’s pre-takeover struggles, perspective matters. “The standards here are incredible, but this isn’t failure,” he stressed. Whether lifting the Cup satisfies fans—or deepens questions about a transitional season—remains to be seen.