The problem is deep within Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who is experiencing the worst series of defeats of his coaching career. The English club must raise its head in the Champions League against Feyenoord on Tuesday.
“There is always a first time in life.” Pep Guardiola knows how to chase away the dark clouds above the Etihad Stadium. The coach, one of the greatest in history, had just completed a 4e defeat in all competitions on the Manchester City bench, on the Brighton pitch (2-1). He had never experienced this in his entire coaching career, which began in 2008. Worse: City suffered a 5e loss in a row, the heaviest of all, at home against Tottenham last Saturday (0-4). A complete humiliation.
“In eight years, we have never experienced this kind of situation”recognized Guardiola, in office since 2016. In fact, Manchester City had not lost 5 times in a row since 2007. A time when we found the French Ousmane Dabo and Sylvain Distin with the Skyblues, who were then loaned players by AC Ajaccio (Djamel Abdoun). Long before the buyout by a member of the United Arab Emirates royal family. This is an unprecedented crisis for one of the behemoths of European football, ogre of the Premier League and winner of the Champions League in 2023 after many disappointments.
Injuries at key positions
The burning question is: what is happening to Manchester City? The first track is to be found near the infirmary. Rodri suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in September. The importance of the Spanish midfielder was illustrated by the Ballon d’Or which he won a month ago. Defender and vice-captain Ruben Dias is also absent, as is midfielder Mateo Kovacic. As for playing master Kevin De Bruyne, he has only played 38 minutes over the last two months. “When everyone is there, the team is exceptional, but at this stage, they are not ready”Guardiola regretted.
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Glitches like pebbles in the Mancunian shoe. City often dominates its matches but no longer stacks up opportunities as much, makes fewer and fewer of them and above all exposes itself defensively. Consequences: the club is already eliminated from the League Cup (by Tottenham on October 30, 2-1) and received a slap in the Champions League by Sporting Portugal of Viktor Gyökeres, author of a hat-trick (4-1 on November 5).
The clumsy Haaland
The temptation to rely on star scorer Erling Haaland is great. But luck has not favored the Norwegian for four matches: 24 shots, 10 on target, 4 goals found and just one goal. Worrying in the short term? Obviously, but citizen leaders see further. Rumors of a contract extension for Haaland, linked until 2027, are rife. He would thus follow in the footsteps of… Guardiola.
Lee Smith / REUTERS
The Catalan was at the end of his contract next June. It was extended for two more seasons last week. A strong message, in the midst of a results crisis. Guardiola sees in this alarming period a “challenge”and he “love it”. “I have more confidence than ever in my players”he swore this weekend. “We, the players, must take our responsibilities”recently invited German midfielder Ilkay Gündogan.
A reaction is expected on Tuesday in Manchester, with the reception of Feyenoord Rotterdam (9 p.m.). City, 10e of the Champions League, remains in the race for the top 8, synonymous with direct access to the round of 16. In the Premier League, on the other hand, he almost plays his crown on Sunday at Anfield with the leader, Liverpool, who is 8 points ahead of City, his runner-up. The English champions have nothing to gain this week, but they still have a lot to lose.
