Pep Guardiola, regarded as one of football’s greatest tacticians, has unflinchingly accepted responsibility for Manchester City’s unexpected slump this season.
Despite leading the club to four consecutive Premier League titles, the Catalan manager admits his errors have contributed to the team’s lackluster performance, with just one win in 13 games before a much-needed victory against Leicester City last weekend.
Speaking with his characteristic introspection, Guardiola laid bare his thoughts on the crisis, stating:
“I’m unbelievably honest with myself for the reason why we have arrived here, and it is me. It’s not the players. They naturally drop a little bit, and that is normal. It happened a little bit last season as well. But with this consistency [of poor results], I should have found it, and that is why we’re in this position.”
Guardiola’s admission reflects not only his leadership style but also the immense pressure at the elite level of football. City’s recent struggles aren’t just a result of bad luck or injuries but a deeper inability to address declining standards in time. While injuries—most notably to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri—have played a role, Guardiola emphasized that other factors, including his decisions, have been pivotal.
The Decline in Form: More Than Just Injuries
Rodri’s absence for much of the campaign has undoubtedly hurt City’s midfield stability, but Guardiola believes the issues go beyond personnel:
“Many things. The manager isn’t just four at the back, five at the back, two strikers—it’s many things. There is something I miss, something I’m not doing well. At the end, when you lose a lot of games, there is an incredible responsibility for the manager to feel something the team needs for its confidence. And I was not able to do it.”
This self-reflection highlights Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of perfection, even in adversity. While City’s win against Leicester offered a glimmer of hope, Guardiola remained cautious, noting that one result doesn’t signify a turnaround:
“We got the result [at Leicester] but no more than that. Listen, all of us—me as the first, and all of us—we know our level. How is the team compared to the last eight years? We are not there.”
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Tactical Adjustments Guardiola Could Consider
Several key tactical choices have come under scrutiny during this challenging period. Guardiola himself has hinted at possible solutions, but these are some areas where change might help:
- Resting Haaland
Erling Haaland’s brilliance is undeniable, but the Norwegian has started every game this season. A fresh approach in attack could provide much-needed rest for the striker while adding unpredictability to City’s forward play. - Retaining Squad Depth
City’s policy of allowing players to leave if they seek regular football has come back to bite them. The departures of Julián Álvarez and Liam Delap have left the squad light on options, especially during an injury crisis. - Defensive Solidity
Rodri’s absence has been keenly felt, and a back three, even with one player stepping into midfield, could have offered more defensive stability. Josko Gvardiol, used at left-back, may have been better utilized centrally to shore up the defense. - Pacing Matches Better
Guardiola admitted after the Tottenham defeat that City lacks a box-to-box approach, making them vulnerable to quick counterattacks. A more measured game pace could help them regain control. - Game Management
Late mistakes, like those in the Manchester derby, have been costly. Bernardo Silva’s comparison of City’s play to “kids’ football” after losing the ball late emphasizes the need for smarter game management. Parking the bus or taking the ball to the corners isn’t Guardiola’s style, but it might be necessary in certain scenarios.
Looking to the Transfer Market
Guardiola has hinted at potential January signings to bolster his injury-stricken squad, with the club reportedly interested in Lens center-back Abdukodir Khusanov. The young defender could offer both immediate cover and long-term promise. However, Guardiola stressed the challenges of the market:
“What I want is the players are fit, get the best level of them because I said to them many times that I know their level. We need that level, and we haven’t had that level. That’s why it’s important they are fit.”
A short-term loan deal could provide a stopgap solution, but Guardiola knows that rebuilding City’s dominance will require more than just new signings—it will demand rediscovering the cohesion and hunger that defined their recent success.
A Manager’s Burden
Guardiola’s candid acknowledgment of his role in City’s slump is a testament to his character. His ability to shoulder the blame, rather than deflect it onto his players, speaks volumes about his leadership. But it also highlights the relentless expectations that come with managing a team of Manchester City’s caliber.
The road to recovery won’t be easy. As Guardiola himself noted, results will play a crucial role in restoring belief and composure within the squad. For now, the reigning champions must focus on rediscovering their identity—one win at a time.