Manchester City is navigating uncharted waters as Pep Guardiola faces his first four-game losing streak, admitting uncertainty on how soon they can regain form.
Despite the recent struggles, Guardiola remains committed to his approach and emphasizes resilience. Reflecting on City’s injury-ridden season, he noted, “Maybe City’s era of dominance is coming to an end,” yet assured that their decline wouldn’t come from lack of effort. Guardiola attributes the recent setbacks to relentless injuries, which he links to City’s grueling schedule.
Where It’s Going Wrong
1. Injuries at Crisis Levels
Guardiola believes the return of key players will shift the momentum. “When the injured players return,” he emphasized, “things will be different.” With 11 players sidelined at various points—many repeatedly—City has had to rely on academy talents and overextended players like Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol. Phil Foden recently acknowledged feeling “burnout,” echoing the strain on the squad. Guardiola’s hope is clear: reinstate core players and City’s form should follow.
2. Defense Under Pressure
Against Brighton, Guardiola highlighted that City’s fatigue made it “too easy to play against” them. Their vulnerable defense has conceded 30% of goals from central attacks and 35% from breakaway crosses. Lapses have become common, with City conceding clusters of goals after taking the lead. Mateo Kovacic, filling in for Rodri, noted he “needs someone beside him,” signaling the impact of key absences in midfield and defense.
3. Key Players Feeling the Strain
Erling Haaland‘s frustration has been visible, from throwing the ball down to receiving a yellow card for lashing out. As Haaland grapples with missed chances, his body language underscores the collective challenges affecting individual performances. With Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, and Kevin De Bruyne also struggling, City’s usual composure appears shaken.
4. Heightened Tensions on the Touchline
Guardiola has shown visible tension, adjusting routines like observing warm-ups from the pitch, something he rarely does. After a recent game, he disagreed with Bernardo Silva, who described City as being in a “dark place,” while Walker was seen in animated discussions with him on the sidelines. Despite these moments, Guardiola urged the team to keep emotions in check, relying on their tested processes.
5. Contract Uncertainty
Guardiola’s future is another talking point. He’s deflected contract questions, saying he’ll decide “when it happens.” Some wonder if this uncertainty is impacting the squad’s performance. Guardiola reassures that he’s committed to City’s benefit, regardless of his decision, and said he won’t be visiting Abu Dhabi this international break, which had marked past extensions.
The Way Forward
With the November break, Guardiola sees a chance for rejuvenation. “I think everybody needs it,” he said. His focus now is on using this downtime to restore mental and physical energy, aiming to regroup for the challenging fixtures ahead. In his words, “Hopefully the other players come back,” signaling his hope to lead City back to their winning ways.
