Manchester City collapses against Feyenoord (3-3) in the Champions League. Defensive flaws and future challenges for Pep Guardiola.
Manchester Cityreigning English champion, is going through a delicate period. The 3-3 draw against Feyenoord once again illustrates the defensive weaknesses of a team in search of consistency.
A domination erased by a late collapse
Manchester City looked set to return to winning ways after taking a 1-2 lead 3-0 thanks to a double from Erling Haaland and a goal from Ilkay Gündogan. However, the final 15 minutes saw Feyenoord score three goals. This dashed City's hopes of breaking out of their downward spiral.
This result keeps City at a worrying 15e place in the Champions League standings, two points from the top 8. Worse still, the Sky Blues have played one more match than half of the competing teams.
Alan Shearer: “A fragile and vulnerable team”
Analyzing the meeting to Amazon Primethe former striker Alan Shearer did not mince his words. “ They conceded the same as last weekend, and three more here. They look weak, they look fragile, they give the opponent too many chances. They had the wind in their sails halfway through. »
Shearer also pointed out a specific moment, symbolizing the team's current problems. “ While they were still leading 3-2, they took a quick free kick two minutes from time. For what ? In this kind of situation, you have to know how to control the pace of the game. »
A defense under fire from critics
The former City defender, Gaël Clichydid not hide his disappointment. “ All the details we talked about before the match happened during the match. After a very comfortable game with a 3-0 lead, everyone thinking about the Liverpool game, you find yourself in a position where you haven't lost a game but feel like you have lost. »
Pep Guardiola will have to quickly find solutions to remobilize his troops. With crucial deadlines, including a perilous trip to Anfield against Liverpool, City must strengthen its defensive solidity.
