Frank Christian
ETIHAD STADIUM, MANCHESTER — Pep Guardiola expressed frustration, noting that when a team hits a rough patch, everyone seems to have solutions except for the coach.
The recent 4-0 loss to Tottenham has plunged Manchester City into a five-match losing streak across all competitions, with three consecutive defeats in the Premier League.
“When you lose by four goals, it’s easy for people to say what went wrong,” he remarked. “However, I didn’t feel we performed poorly at 0-1 or in the second half.”
“At 0-3, I thought we played well until conceding the last goal. We created chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on them.”
This perspective might seem like a typical defensive response during tough times, but Guardiola appeared calm and collected compared to his usual demeanor after intense games.
The coach, who recently signed a two-year contract extension until June 2027, demonstrated a clear mindset. These are usually positive signs.
“I believe in these players now more than ever,” Guardiola stated. “I’ve been a player; I know how it feels to doubt and want to win. They are desperate to perform well. They are not indifferent, not at all. I see their dedication in training, in the locker room, and even after games.”
“In challenging times, the key is to persevere. We’ve overcome similar situations before where results weren’t great, and we’ve always managed to progress.”
A challenge with this assessment is that the current scenario at Manchester City differs from past experiences, and treating it the same way could worsen the situation.
How Does Pep Guardiola Handle a Crisis?
In times of uncertainty, Guardiola has often intensified his focus on core principles, surpassing expectations with the results that followed.
During his first season, faced with challenges from an aging squad, he abandoned attempts to fit players into a complex formation and reverted to a 4-3-3 lineup reminiscent of his time at Barcelona. This decision helped harness the talents of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne behind Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, leading the team to a commendable third place and then to a historic 100-point season the following year.
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As Liverpool dominated the pandemic-affected 2019/20 season, Guardiola brought in his mentor Juanma Lillo as an assistant. Early in the next season, when City struggled, they returned to fundamental strategies of utilizing wingers and dynamic playmakers, resulting in the false-nine formation that claimed the 2020/21 title and edged out Liverpool the subsequent year.
Following that, the arrival of Erling Haaland posed new challenges, yet Guardiola found ways to incorporate the striker into his vision. Despite a rocky mid-season clash with Joao Cancelo, City achieved a treble. Guardiola successfully adjusted, using John Stones as a significant midfield presence during their Champions League triumph.
Yet, every approach has limitations. Currently, Guardiola’s squad lacks depth compared to previous years, mostly due to poor recruitment and a growing injury list.
Against Tottenham, Guardiola opted for a midfield featuring Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Rico Lewis — all skilled in tight spaces but lacking physical presence. Their combined weaknesses were exploited by Tottenham, who repeatedly penetrated City’s defenses, leaving them vulnerable without Rodri’s leadership in midfield.
“Rodri was crucial for our defense when fit. It’s a different scenario without him, but we must adapt,” Guardiola noted.
“We must adjust to a new style, emphasizing control and winning duels. It’s my responsibility to find solutions and ensure consistency while finding a way to win.”
“When we lack certain capabilities, we have to discover alternative strengths. The current roster has to be utilized to its potential and qualities.”
Can Man City Succeed Without Rodri?
Lewis, still a teenager, has been shuffled through various roles, offering a steep learning curve during these tough times. Gundogan, at 34, seems to show signs of age after a stint in Barcelona. Silva, now 30, has also been less impactful recently.
If Guardiola fields the same midfield against a determined Anfield crowd next week, he risks sending them into a daunting challenge.
While Guardiola’s usual approach has brought him incredible success, there are alternative strategies beyond retaining the same plan that faltered recently.
His foundational ideas remain, but he has also embraced the physical nature of the Premier League. Kyle Walker, once crucial, seems out of form now, yet he is remembered as a vital acquisition for Guardiola.
Stones was able to thrive in the Champions League final because he had backup, suggesting that Guardiola’s attentiveness in defensive recruitment is pivotal.
Ruben Dias, who joined after a disappointing loss to Leicester in 2020, brought significant defensive capability, but his injury has coincided with City’s current struggles.
Rodri, a vital component with skill and physicality, is sorely missed as City faces a Liverpool side that thrives in physical contests.
Matheus Nunes and youth graduate Nico O’Reilly would inject poorly needed physicality to the midfield; however, this could compromise Guardiola’s control-focused strategy. James McAtee, with limited Premier League minutes this season, could add some energy further up the pitch.
It will be intriguing to see Guardiola’s line-up for the Champions League match against Feyenoord, particularly if such players are included. With potential returns for Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish, who bring quality and presence, there are spots available as Guardiola looks to balance his core principles with practical needs amidst a challenging season.
