Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, once heralded as an unstoppable force in English and European football, find themselves in unfamiliar territory.
A dismal run of form—six defeats in their last seven matches—has prompted calls for a squad overhaul to stave off a prolonged decline. The Cityzens’ latest setback, a 2-0 loss at Anfield, exposed glaring vulnerabilities and raised questions about the longevity of key players who were once instrumental in their success.
“From Invincibles to Invisibles”
A brutal assessment from journalist Henry Winter summarized City’s recent struggles with the headline: “From Invincibles to Invisibles.” Writing for talkSPORT, Winter argued that Guardiola must make bold decisions regarding his aging squad. Specifically, he highlighted three veterans—Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva—as players who may no longer have what it takes to meet City’s exacting standards.
Aging Stars Under the Microscope
Kyle Walker, 34, and Bernardo Silva, 30, remain contracted until 2026, meaning City would need to actively offload them to clear space for fresh talent. Meanwhile, Gundogan’s one-year deal, signed after his return from Barcelona, includes an option for another 12 months. However, his performances since rejoining have done little to suggest the club should trigger that extension.
Winter’s critique extended beyond the players’ ages, pointing to specific moments on the pitch. Walker, captaining the side, was singled out for his positioning during Liverpool’s first goal. “[Salah] crossed for Gakpo to score from close range at the far post. Where was Kyle Walker? Wrong post-code,” Winter quipped.
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Leadership Lacking on and off the Pitch
Leadership—or the lack thereof—was another point of contention. Winter noted that Walker and Silva spent the halftime break arguing with officials rather than rallying their underperforming teammates. “[They] had the temerity to walk off at the break, debating decisions with the officials,” he wrote. “They should have saved their breath for calling out some of their team-mates like [Matheus] Nunes.”
Guardiola’s Dilemma
The ongoing absence of Rodri due to an ACL injury has undeniably hurt City, removing a critical component of their midfield dominance. Yet Winter contended that the issues run deeper than just Rodri’s unavailability. “Too many players look stuck in quicksand, and Guardiola is struggling to pull them out,” he wrote, emphasizing the need for “new blood and new energy” to reignite the team’s spark.
Squad Revamp on the Horizon?
City’s woes have amplified calls for reinforcements. Despite their deep pockets, Guardiola’s ability to integrate new signings effectively will be key. The January transfer window looms as a pivotal moment for the club to recalibrate, both in terms of incoming talent and potentially parting ways with long-serving players.
A Testing Fixture Schedule
Adding to Guardiola’s challenges is a grueling fixture list. Upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Aston Villa offer little respite. The team’s ability to navigate this period could define their season and determine whether they can salvage their campaign in the Premier League and Champions League.
External Criticism Adds Pressure
City’s struggles have not escaped the attention of pundits, with Erling Haaland even becoming the subject of light-hearted jabs. Jamie Carragher took to social media to mock Haaland’s subdued performance at Anfield, comparing him to his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, in a cheeky remark about Virgil van Dijk’s dominance.
Scouting for Solutions
In the midst of this crisis, reports have surfaced about City scouting potential reinforcements, particularly at left-back. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez are among those reportedly on the club’s radar. Kerkez, notably, impressed in a recent Bournemouth win over City, providing two assists in the upset.
The Path Forward
For Guardiola, the path forward requires a delicate balance between loyalty to his seasoned stars and the urgent need to refresh his squad. While past glories have bought the manager some time, his admission—“Maybe I deserve to be sacked… maybe I’m still here because we’ve won so many titles”—underscores the precariousness of City’s current predicament.
A club of City’s stature cannot afford a prolonged slump, and with Guardiola at the helm, decisive action feels inevitable. Whether that involves a ruthless culling of underperforming veterans or strategic moves in the transfer market, the coming months will be critical in determining whether City can rediscover their invincible edge or remain stuck in their current malaise.
