The Citizens are going through a very complicated period with none in the last seven matches and a cascade of injuries between October and November.
Manchester City, only fifth in the Premier League, “would be close” to the level reached in recent seasons without the numerous injuries which have affected the group, coach Pep Guardiola assured Tuesday.
«With the whole team (available, Editor’s note) this season we would be close to the level we reached in recent seasons», Replied the Spanish technician, questioned about the physical problems which affected his workforce.
The reigning four-time English champions are going through an unprecedented results crisis under Guardiola, deprived of a victory in the last seven matches (six defeats and one draw), in all competitions.
The serious injury to defensive midfielder Rodri, Ballon d’Or 2024, particularly weakened the “Citizens”. Other players have had more or less long stints in the infirmary, such as Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne.
Before hosting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday (8:30 p.m.), Manchester City remains on four consecutive defeats in the league. Erling Haaland and his teammates have not scored a single goal in the last two, against Tottenham (4-0) and Liverpool (2-0).
Guardiola, however, was keen to be positive on Tuesday at a press conference: “We are not very far from second place”, currently held by Chelsea with two more points, he said.
«It’s always the way you play, the consistency you have in both surfaces, that gives you positive thoughts about what’s going to happen in the future. The team was magnificent at Liverpool“, he insisted.
The Spaniard postponed any consideration linked to the winter transfer window until later: “In January we will talk internally about what is best, it depends on the situation we will be in.»
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