Manchester City is facing a crisis of confidence after suffering one of the most stunning defeats of Pep Guardiola's storied managerial career.
On November 5, 2023, City led 1-0 against their fierce rivals Manchester United until the 88th minute, when two late goals snatched victory away and reflected the team's current turmoil. Josko Gvardiol scored the opener for City, but Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot, followed swiftly by Amad Diallo’s clincher. The two quick goals transformed the momentum and left City with only one victory from their last eleven matches across competitions.
This shocking defeat came as Guardiola sat on the sidelines, visibly agitated and on edge—not just from the defeat but perhaps from the larger turmoil plaguing the team's season. "I am not good enough. I am the boss. I am the manager. I have to find solutions and so far I haven't. That's the reality," he candidly admitted to Match of the Day after the match. This defeat marked the first time City has lost after leading late, emphasizing just how far the champions have fallen.
Under Guardiola, who has significantly shaped the team's style and strategy, City had previously gained the reputation for being almost unbeatable. Prior to this match, they had lost only four of the 105 home games where they led at halftime. The latest loss has raised questions about the team's softness and vulnerability, as opponents sense their decline and capitalize on their mistakes.
Manchester City currently sits fifth, nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool—an alarming position for the club, which has dominated the Premier League since Guardiola's arrival. The early-season promise now seems overshadowed by injuries and defensive frailties. Guardiola's side has battled injuries to key players, including Rodri and John Stones, which he cautioned should not be used as easy excuses for the consistent decline.
The impact of age on the squad is becoming increasingly evident. Talented yet aging players like Kevin De Bruyne, who is turning 34, have struggled to maintain their influence on the pitch. De Bruyne’s limited impact led to him being substituted after just 68 minutes against United. Likewise, fellow veteran Ilkay Gundogan's performance has diminished, as has Kyle Walker’s reliability. Both are facing heightened scrutiny as they age, which the club must contend with moving forward.
Fans displayed their unwavering support for Guardiola even amid the turmoil, holding up tifo banners proclaiming, "Guardiola, més que un entrenador," showing their belief in his ability to steer the ship back on course. This support might be comforting to the manager, yet results speak volumes about how the team is functioning as they slip down the league table.
Former Premier League player Peter Crouch weighed in on Guardiola's challenges, asserting, "He's going to find a way back, no doubt. But he's in the most difficult moment of his career." Crouch noted how this run of form is unprecedented, recognizing the difficulty of reversing momentum when confidence wanes as it has with City. Joe Cole echoed this sentiment, dubbing the malaise surrounding the team as "the story of the season so far."
This orchestrated collapse has also meant City faces potential exit from the Champions League, marked by their recent loss to Juventus as well. The failure to secure victories against weaker teams has cost them dearly. City has conceded more goals since the start of November than any other team from Europe’s top leagues, which, according to statistics, is glaring evidence of their defensive issues.
Gundogan described the situation starkly, indicating the sheer danger emanated from every attack they faced: "At the moment it feels like every attack we concede, it's so dangerous. They score on the transition every time, and we have to chase 50 or 60 meters back." Guardiola contested his midfielder's view on the transitions leading to goals, indicating the tactical adjustments have not taken root, and defending against teams with stout setups is hardly easy even for his renowned side.
Fans and pundits alike question whether this current team under Guardiola is the worst they have seen since he took charge. This season’s statistics reveal discomforting truths: City’s loss percentage stands at 29.2%, with 40 goals conceded—far beyond any of Guardiola's previous seasons. The answer to whether such alarming statistics can be turned around remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher for Guardiola and City as they navigate uncharted waters of sustained failure.
There’s little doubt Guardiola will have to regroup and rethink strategies moving forward, especially with City vying to return to contenders for silverware both domestically and in Europe. The faithful supporters awaiting signs of life from this side must hope their manager can deftly solve the conundrums before the season slips completely away.
