There’s electricity in the air in Manchester. And for once, we’re not talking about Manchester United, who are counting on the arrival of Ruben Amorim to get off to a good start. Indeed, this time, it is on the side of rival City that there are problems. The residents of the Etihad Stadium have just suffered four defeats in a row in all competitions. Which is not a habit of the house since the arrival of Guardiola. It all started with a loss against Tottenham in the League Cup on October 30 (2-1). Then, the Mancuniens lost in the Premier League against Bournemouth on November 2 (2-1). Then, the Citizens were beaten 4-1 in the Champions League by Sporting CP.
Finally, they were on the mat again during the weekend during the match against Brighton in the championship (2-1). The final straw for the English champions, who are still second in the standings after 11 days (23 points). But they are already 5 points behind Liverpool, leader with 28 units. And given how things have been going lately, the gap risks widening between the two teams and Man City also risks having to battle with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and all the other teams stuck in his wheel. This Tuesday, the Manchester Evening News takes stock of the situation. And the British media returns in particular to the reasons for this unprecedented crisis and the tensions within the club.
An infirmary as full as the locker room
First of all, the MEN indicates that the numerous injuries within the Mancunian team are weighing down the team. It must be said that half a dozen players are absent. Among them, we find strong elements, like Rodri, and others like Jack Grealish or Jérémy Doku. If Pep Guardiola is considered a “football genius”, he is not a magician. He cannot work miracles with a decimated workforce, he who believes that injuries and the club’s overloaded schedule are weighing on current performances. Especially since among the elements remaining at his disposal, some do not necessarily evolve at their best level. THE Manchester Evening News cites the names of Kevin De Bruyne, who is returning from injury, Ilkay Gündogan, who returned last summer after a year at Barça, and Kyle Walker.
“In an ideal world, Walker would not have played and Gundogan would have been on the bench. But in the absence of fitness, Guardiola is counting on both to lead the team.notably released the MEN after the defeat against Brighton. Additionally, the English publication returned to Walker’s statements after this weekend’s match. The Englishman blurted out: “this is the moment where I want to see the players and the real characters express themselves. It’s been tough, but we’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success here over the last eight years. You have to show character. You have to put on your boots and walk through the mud. It’s football and with the players and the coach we have, with the club and the supporters, it will work. We need to weather the storm and make sure that after the international break we come back fit and ready to play a significant part of the season.”
Failing executives
“Gundo” also spoke. “It’s important that we are honest with ourselves and know what we can improve. We know that and we need to know that we need to get back on track. We have a responsibility to play for Manchester City. Expectations are high and that’s normal. This is something we have experienced before and must deal with in the future. Collectively, we must do better. We are still at the very beginning of the season and we need to be sure that we can play a part in all the competitions until the end. Experience really helps. We cannot rely on the past and what we have done before. You have to do the right things.” Starting with him and Walker, who must set an example and improve according to the MEN.
“Walker and Gundogan both pointed to City’s performances over the past eight seasons to explain the increased expectations, both inside and outside the dressing room. These are the leaders Guardiola trusts to get things done, so it’s only fitting that they rise to the occasion again after yet another defeat. But if they demand collective improvement, they must also question themselves. Aside from the obvious fitness issues, neither have been very good this season – Walker was rushed to get back with the team, but he hasn’t looked like himself this season and starts to get beat to the beat every time he plays. Under normal circumstances, Gûndogan would have been used a lot more, but his performances are still far from those of the strong man he was when he left the Etihad 18 months ago.
Unusual tensions
Besides, Guardiola has a lot of expectations from them. The Catalan coach clashed on the sidelines with Walker against the Seagulls. He also had differences with other elements, like Bernardo Silva. He did not appreciate that the Portuguese mentioned a “dark period” from the team a few days ago. Guardiola also did not like Grealish joining the English selection during the last rally when he was not 100% and he made this known to Lee Carsley. The tension is palpable in the locker room but also on the pitch. MEN explains that the City coach is much more nervous on the bench this season. He even changed his pre-match ritual. While he usually stays in the locker room, he is now present on the edge of the field during the warm-up to observe and refocus his troops. But he’s not the only one who’s tense.
Some players are annoyed. This is the case of Erling Haaland who was “furious” after Brighton’s second goal according to the MEN. He had already lost his temper after the defeat against Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola, who has to manage a locker room under tension, intends to take advantage of the break to find solutions and get his team back on track. In the game, the Mancuniens are experiencing difficulties and have only really dominated a handful of matches. They have problems defensively and in midfield, where the team lacks experience and cannot compensate for the loss of Rodri. Finally, the MEN explains that the uncertainty linked to the future of Pep Guardiola, who still has not resolved his future while his contract ends next June, adds tension. In the midst of a crisis, Man City is counting on everyone, but also on the next transfer window, to find some color.
