Manchester City in Crisis: Alan Shearer and Micah Richards Clash Over Josko Gvardiol Ahead of Liverpool Showdown
Manchester City find themselves in the midst of a difficult period, marked by a series of disappointing results. Before their midweek Champions League clash with Feyenoord, Pep Guardiola’s side had suffered five consecutive defeats across all competitions. Their recent form continued to raise eyebrows as they squandered a 3-0 lead, conceding three goals in just 14 minutes, leaving them with only a point.
City’s Anfield Challenge
Next up for City is a daunting trip to Anfield, a venue where they have only won twice in the Premier League era. As Guardiola prepares for this critical clash against Liverpool, questions loom over his team selection, particularly regarding Josko Gvardiol.
Shearer Questions Gvardiol’s Form
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Alan Shearer highlighted Gvardiol’s struggles, pointing out costly errors in recent matches.
“Pep’s got some big decisions ahead of him on Sunday. Who and who not to play? Does he bring [Ruben] Dias back in? Does he stick with Gvardiol, who’s having a torrid time at the moment? Unfortunately, last Sunday with Spurs, he made a couple of errors that led to goals. There was a couple of errors the other evening,” Shearer said.
He added: “You could hear the moans and groans when he made the errors. Does he put him at left-back against [Mohamed] Salah? They’re big shouts for Pep.”
Richards Defends Gvardiol
In response, Micah Richards defended the Croatian defender, emphasizing his talent and the challenges of adapting to a new role.
“The only thing I would say with Gvardiol – we’ve seen him and he’s been so impressive. Scoring goals, linking up, he’s very good on the ball, but he is naturally a centre-back. He doesn’t normally play left-back,” Richards argued.
He further explained: “Teams are taking more chances with Man City now and forcing them back. He’s having to do a lot of defending in positions which he’s not actually used to. Man City normally dominates the ball, don’t they? And now teams are thinking, ‘OK, if you’re not at it today, we’re going to have a go at you.’”
Tim Sherwood’s Critique
Former manager Tim Sherwood weighed in after City’s draw with Feyenoord, criticizing Gvardiol for being involved in many of the goals City have recently conceded.
“He’s been putting his fingerprints on most of the goals City have conceded throughout their recent poor run of form,” Sherwood claimed.
Guardiola’s Dilemma
Gvardiol, who has featured in every match for City this season, primarily as a left-back, faces a monumental challenge if he starts on Sunday. His task? Contain Mohamed Salah, who has already netted 10 goals in 12 league games this season.
As Shearer noted, Guardiola must decide whether to persist with Gvardiol or opt for Nathan Ake, who could bring defensive stability in what may be City’s most pivotal game of the season.
With City’s title hopes hanging by a thread and Liverpool in red-hot form, Guardiola’s tactical decisions – particularly around Gvardiol – could define their season.
