What is more worrying is that Manchester City finds itself in a situation that the club has not experienced since… 2018. That is, the last time that Pep Guardiola’s men lost three games in a row, during one and the same season (it happened in 2021, straddling two campaigns).
Doubt in the locker room
Against Sporting Portugal this Tuesday, the Skyblues also suffered their biggest defeat in four years. To the delight of United supporters obviously. Since they saw their future coach, Ruben Amorim, humiliate the great rival. The one who will take office this Monday at Old Trafford still admitted that his team had “a little luck”. With more good fortune and efficiency from Erling Haaland in particular, City could have led by three or four goals at the break.
But isn’t this, precisely, proof that this version of the Citizens is no longer as uncompromising, confident or sovereign as usual? Doubt has visibly set in in the locker room, while this team has never looked so uninspired, dynamic or creative under Guardiola. “We’re in a bit of a dark place at the momentadmitted Bernardo Silva. Everything is going in the wrong direction.”
A statement which clearly illustrates the state of mind within a group which, in the past, could play against almost any opponent in a thousand and one different ways. Against Sporting, the English press also wondered why Guardiola did not try to change things: why was Silva not pushed more forward on the board or why Phil Has Foden not evolved into a “false nine”? Two questions which give rise to another: why was Julian Alvarez, who left for Atlético, not replaced? “Because, during the summer, I didn’t imagine having eight or nine players injured at the same time”replied Guardiola.
gullNot sure if there is still a lead for Brazil after a 4-1 defeat.
Managing emotions
The Catalan is not wrong: City unfortunately had to deal with a lot of elements in the infirmary. The fact remains that attracting an alternative to Haaland is not only precautionary but would keep the Norwegian giant on its guard – even if it is difficult to blame him given the efficiency he has been able to demonstrate since his arrival. “Emotionally, we weren’t stable enough.”regrets Guardiola.
Who will be responsible for reversing the trajectory of the club. For The Telegraphthe manager would find himself squarely faced with the biggest challenge of his reign at the Etihad Stadium. It is certain that the context is not the most favorable to resolve everything with a snap of the fingers. Technical director Txiki Begiristain announced his departure. The club is still awaiting the verdict in its trial regarding the 115 charges for allegedly circumventing financial rules imposed between 2009 and 2018. Guardiola, himself, has yet to tie his future to the club next season, while his contract expires in June. “After losing 4-1, I’m not sure if I’m still a prospect for the Brazilian national team.”he joked on Tuesday.
De Bruyne is back
Supporters are already reassured that Kevin De Bruyne has finally returned to the pitch, after almost two months of absence. But they will still have to wait before seeing Rodri on the pitch again. Even though the Belgian has probably been the best player in the Premier League in recent years, Guardiola managed to make up for his absence last season, putting Phil Foden in the best conditions. It’s a completely different story when it comes to replacing the recent Ballon d’Or.
Undefeated with him in the team in 34 Premier League matches last season, Manchester City lost three of the four matches played without him… Unique in his genre, Rodri takes on a role comparable to that occupied by Sergio Busquets at Barça. Ilkay Gündogan and Mateo Kovacic tried it without really convincing. There is simply no one like him in the squad. Reason why the chances are great to see the Skyblues explore the market in January…
