What’s the worst thing about being a coach? Being at the end of the cycle and no longer finding the right words to galvanize a group that no longer responds? Or lose, week after week, without being able to (really) put your finger on what’s wrong?
Nestled in his return plane from Turin, Pep Guardiola must probably tear out the few hairs he has left while asking himself the question. Does he have the answer? Probably not. And even if he had it, knowing the guy, not sure he would want to admit it to himself. The unalterable pride of a peacock who, even when losing feathers, keeps his head held high. Question of principles, no doubt. But for how much longer?
Wednesday evening against Juventus (2-0), Manchester City, so hungry for victories in recent years, once again showed a face that we have known only too well for several weeks: that of a trembling giant , who hesitates, who doubts and who searches for himself.
The numbers are there to prove it: 12 shots, several clear chances but 0 goals. Two goals conceded in the same match… for the 9th time in the last 10 (!) matches. The chorus repeats and it hurts. Since the beginning of November, City has even had the worst defense… of the five major championships.
Obviously, questions abound. What the hell happened to block, at this point, the cogs that were running at full speed until then? In self-flagellation mode these last few weeks, Pep Guardiola changed his tune at a press conference. He went into Coué mode. To try to convince himself that all it takes is a tiny shake, an SOS, for the machine to start moving again? We are not far from being convinced of this: “We played well, played very well. We missed the last pass, the last action. I’m so proud of the players, they give everything, they try.” he proclaimed, with feigned conviction, after the defeat against Turin.
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