Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City are preparing for significant roster changes as they seek to reclaim their status at the top of the table and recover from the turmoil of the current season. The team, which is currently struggling, will face Everton on December 26 at the Etihad Stadium, with match kickoff scheduled for 14:30 Kyiv time.
After 17 matches, Manchester City finds itself languishing at seventh place, having garnered just 27 points and suffering from what can only be described as a disastrous run of form, with only one win from their last 12 outings across all competitions. This downturn is particularly jarring, considering the team claimed victory four times consecutively over the past five seasons and is now sitting uncomfortably behind their rivals.
Pep Guardiola, the illustrious manager of Manchester City, has expressed deep concern over the team's struggles, openly discussing the issues they’re currently facing. Following the recent defeat to Aston Villa, Guardiola remarked, "Now we start setting new records – unfortunately, negative records..." This candid acknowledgment of the crisis has stirred conversations about the future plans of the club.
According to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balagué, significant changes are on the horizon. He stated, "Manchester City wants to restore the essence of the team, the look of the team." Balagué outlined Guardiola's ambitious plans to refresh the squad, indicating the manager's intention to part ways with 5 to 6 core players during the upcoming winter transfer window. This reshuffling is intended as the start of what Balagué referred to as "a new era" for the club, signifying the end of the current squad’s era, which, until recently, was consistently securing victories.
Manchester City’s management recognizes the pressing need to regain their competitive edge. One of the primary aims will be to strengthen the midfield, where they have faced notable deficiencies. Potential signings include Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, both of whom offer the kind of quality and energy City aims to inject back onto the pitch.
On the other side, Everton will represent formidable opposition, especially with the presence of Ukrainian international Vitaliy Mykolenko. Currently sitting at 15th place with 16 points, the Toffees will be eager to secure much-needed points to bolster their standing. Odds-makers have made Manchester City favorites for this upcoming clash, reflecting their inherent quality, but the current form suggests no guarantees.
Following their match against Everton, the road does not get any easier for City as they will continue to grappling with the repercussions of their challenging season. With Liverpool leading the table and City facing fierce competition, every match becomes pivotal not just for immediate league positioning, but for the overall morale and future direction of the club. The need for drastic restructuring has never been more urgent as questions surrounding Guardiola's long-term strategy emerge.
Whether these changes can help Manchester City reclaim its former glory remains to be seen. The club faces the dual challenge of performing well this season and preparing for the future amid immense scrutiny from both fans and media alike. Nevertheless, with proposed plans for upcoming additions and adjustments, Manchester City appears poised to undertake the necessary steps to revive their fortunes.
