When Manchester City emerged as a new Premier League force in the early 2010s - before Pep Guardiola set foot at the Etihad - many top coaches criticized them for lacking a clear football identity. Carlo Ancelotti himself, when he was in charge of Chelsea, commented that City had "skills and abilities" but "not a real team".
However, no one has ever said that about any team led by Guardiola, whether at Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Man City. The "ps psychological scars" left from last season's crisis are still leaving a lasting impact on the squad that Guardiola has carefully shaped for many years.
And it is worth mentioning that no one can clearly determine what Man City is currently representing. They are still a strong team, but it seems to be losing the strategic soul that once dominated Guardiola.
The Citizens' latest defeat to Aston Villa - their third loss of the season - exposed an unacceptable reality. Guardiola's side are stuck between two philosophies. City seem to be moving from a sophisticated possession-based approach to a modern, practical approach, with set pieces and long balls given priority.
Guardiola has admitted that he wants to aim for modern football, but the paradox is that many factors in this new philosophy go against what made his name.
Gary Neville was one of the most fierceendriest bitters about the change: "Man City are not even worth watching right now. They can be defeated in any match.
Their style is like a mix of mature, practical Guardiola and... a bit of a mischievous one. I really don't understand what's happening," said the former England defender.
For a complete coach like Guardiola, losing tactical control is a nightmare. Although he has expressed interest in the "new rules of modern football", City are currently the only team in the Premier League that has not scored from a set piece this season. This is clear evidence that Guardiola may not be fully confident in the new path he is experimenting with.
Man City's latest loss came from a moment of genius by Matty Cash. And ironically, it came from a corner kick - something Guardiola himself has taken lightly in his football philosophy.
This was City's first defeat since August and only the second game they have not scored in the entire season, but more worryingly, the predictability is seeping into the game. With no longer the ability to control and erode opponents with accurate ball passes, Man City now look vulnerable and lacking identity.
Guardiola blamed the "last action" after the match - inaccurate shots or crosses - but the real problem was the lack of ideas. The question is, if City no longer stifle their opponents with possession, who are they?
A more direct style of play, with fast wingers, may be a new direction, but it requires physical strength and the ability to strongly transition - something City do not have in Rodri's absence.
The Spanish midfielder is the foundation for Guardiola's tactical balance. Without him, the Citizens have won only behind behind behind them in the defeat at Villa Park - a number that clearly reflects a decline.
Unai Emery once again proved his quintessence when fully exploiting the space between City's lines. Now, Pep Guardiola must return to tactical goals and find a real "plan B" for Man City, if he does not want his team to continue to be dragged into the spiral of crisis.
