Manchester City has lost 9 of their last 12 matches—matching the total defeats they suffered in their previous 106 games combined.
At the end of October, City sat atop the Premier League table, poised to claim their fifth consecutive title. Now, they find themselves in seventh place, 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, despite playing one more game.
This extraordinary fall from grace has left fans and pundits alike questioning what went wrong—and whether Pep Guardiola can turn things around.
After consulting with those closest to Guardiola, we delve into the short- and long-term future of Manchester City and explore how the current crisis can be resolved.
“Guardiola Always Doubts Himself”
Pep Guardiola is a deep thinker, and he hasn’t been sleeping well lately. His demeanor during press conferences has occasionally seemed off.
He has been confiding in many people, seeking answers to City’s decline. Some causes are clear to him; others remain elusive.
What many might not realize is Guardiola has always been plagued by self-doubt. He often questions himself, thinking, “What if I can’t fix this?” He relies heavily on those around him for support to overcome these insecurities—and so far, they’ve delivered.
Guardiola’s inner circle shields him from external negativity, knowing full well that many wish for Manchester City to fail.
This turbulent period has taken its toll. Recall the UEFA Champions League match against Feyenoord, when Guardiola appeared at the press conference with a head injury. His nervous habit of scratching his head, exacerbated by a sharp nail, had left a mark.
He later joked about it with his trusted aide Manel Estiarte, but the incident symbolized his constant state of tension. Similar mishaps have occurred—like when he accidentally scratched his nose while passionately discussing tactics with Kyle Walker.
After the recent Manchester Derby, Guardiola candidly admitted, “I don’t know what to do.”
Part of that statement reflects reality, while part of it doesn’t.
When Guardiola says he’s “not good enough,” what he means is that he feels constrained by the current limitations of his squad and the mounting challenges they face.
A Perfect Storm of Challenges
The absence of key defensive midfielder Rodri has been widely acknowledged as a major factor.
Think of it like a game of Jenga—removing the wrong block can make the entire structure collapse. That’s what happened here.
Rodri, arguably the best in his position, is the backbone of City’s system. His unavailability this season due to injury has had catastrophic consequences.
Modern football teams, including Manchester City, rely heavily on defensive midfielders to anchor their play. Without Rodri, maintaining balance has proven nearly impossible.
Although Plan B options exist—such as John Stones, Manuel Akanji, or Nathan Aké—these players have also struggled with injuries.
To complicate matters, City has faced an unprecedented injury crisis and a relentless schedule.
Adding to Guardiola’s frustration are the uncharacteristic errors made by some of his most reliable players. For instance:
- Matheus Nunes gave away a reckless penalty against Manchester United.
- Jack Grealish failed to control possession in critical moments.
- Even Walker and other defenders have committed costly mistakes.
These players are among the best in the world, yet confidence is at an all-time low. Instead of composure, panic seems to dominate the pitch.
Fatigue and Form Declines
Several players are struggling with fitness or form:
- Walker’s pace has visibly diminished.
- Kevin De Bruyne’s recovery remains uncertain.
- Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan have been overworked.
- Grealish has yet to recapture his peak form.
Some players who used to thrive on one game a week are now playing 12 matches in 40 days due to injuries elsewhere in the squad. This domino effect has significantly hindered the team.
As a result, opportunities for Erling Haaland have dried up. Despite this, the Norwegian still leads the team with 13 goals this season. Behind him? Defender Joško Gvardiol with four goals—a worrying statistic for a team that thrives on attacking prowess.
“Major Changes Are Coming”
Guardiola has taken a different approach this season. Instead of publicly criticizing his players, he has shown unwavering support for those who have helped him achieve so much success.
Recognizing their mental fatigue, he has also adjusted his tactics—sometimes giving them extended breaks to reset and recharge. For example, the squad recently had two days off following a tough match.
However, Guardiola knows that the time for change is inevitable. At Manchester City, he has the full backing of the club. Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Juventus—where external pressure might force a managerial change—City is standing by their most successful coach.
The immediate goal now is to secure a top-four finish, which is the new benchmark for success this season. Guardiola aims to rebuild City’s foundation by strengthening their defensive structure and regaining their trademark intensity.
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A New Era for Manchester City
Guardiola plans to use the remaining two years of his contract—widely expected to be his last at the club—to lay the groundwork for a new Manchester City.
Unlike his departure from Barcelona, where emotional ties led him to leave rather than overhaul the squad, Guardiola is ready to make tough decisions this time.
He anticipates replacing five or six regular starters, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. While most changes will occur in the summer, City is prepared to act in January if opportunities arise—particularly in securing a defensive midfielder.
One key target is Spain’s Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. With a €60 million release clause, he could be an ideal solution. While he rejected Liverpool last summer, he is reportedly eager to move to the Premier League.
Even if Zubimendi isn’t acquired, City will pursue players of a similar caliber.
Under Guardiola, new sporting director Hugo Viana, and the broader football department, a refreshed Manchester City is on the horizon.
This transformation will not happen overnight, but the wheels are already in motion. Guardiola’s determination and the club’s resources ensure that Manchester City’s crisis is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
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