When talking about Manchester City's decline this season, coach Pep Guardiola constantly cites the number of losses. The Citizens have now lost 8 of their last 11 matches in all competitions - their worst run since 2003. About 2 months ago, this was almost an unthinkable prospect.
Just when Man City thought they had escaped the crisis, The Citizens dragged themselves into that spiral. Guardiola even had to blame himself: "I am a coach and I am not good enough. I did not do well. That is the truth. That is how it is."
The Etihad side lost just five games in the entirety of last season, six in 2018-19, seven in 2017-18 and 2022-23, eight in 2020-21 and 2021-22. And this season, eight losses since October 30, along with a draw against Feyenoord that felt like a defeat.
Not long ago, Man City were unbeaten in 32 Premier League games and 26 Champions League games. "We were top of the league and the only unbeaten team in Europe," Guardiola said. Now, only Southampton have had as few points in the Premier League since the start of November.
When discussing the reasons for the recent Manchester derby defeat, Guardiola focused on two main themes: poor decision-making and individual errors. Matheus Nunes was the reason for the defeat against the "Red Devils" when he fouled Amad Diallo in the penalty area. In other matches, those mistakes were made by Ederson, Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol.
Man City may need at least five or six new signings to end this poor run of form. They need a defensive midfielder and another striker, to end their over-reliance on Rodri and Erling Haaland.
They also need at least one more midfielder, someone younger and stronger than Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic and Gundogan. They also need a right-back to replace Walker. If possible, they should also add a defender, either a left-back or a stronger centre-back than Nathan Ake and John Stones.
For now, Guardiola’s team need confidence and cohesion again. They need to be able to cope with setbacks, overcome difficult periods and capitalise on the foundations they have. And most importantly, as Guardiola has said, they need to stop playing like under-15s…
