Pep Guardiola has created countless impressive unbeaten streaks with Man City, but now he and his students are suffering an equally "impressive" losing streak. Three years ago, the defeat in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad ended The Citizens' 21-match winning streak. This defeat is no different in nature, but it is lasting longer than the dark days at the Etihad.
6 Premier League titles in 7 consecutive years and a treble in 2023 are enough to put Pep's name at the top of the world today, even on par with other Premier League legends. However, such a great strategist is gradually running out of magic, unable to help Man City overcome the current quagmire.
In the midst of a crisis when he couldn't find a solution, Pep also made wrong decisions like many others. Typically, using Matheus Nunes to play on the left wing. The reason for this choice was because Nathan Ake was injured and had no return date. If not Nunes, Pep might have had to choose young talent Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and this was too risky.
However, that was Pep's only but also biggest mistake in the Manchester Derby. After a bad pass at the end of the match, Nunes committed a foul that couldn't be more brutal on Amad Diallo in the penalty area. From there, it opened up the opportunity for Man United to equalize on the penalty spot, followed by the goal that sealed the 2-1 score just 2 minutes later.
"Maybe I'm not a good enough coach, that's all. I have to find a way to communicate with the players, train them in new ways, put more pressure on the opponent and reshape the way of playing. However, I didn't do any of these things well, that's the truth" - Pep Guardiola bitterly shared after the defeat.
In a documentary shown on Amazon Prime 6 years ago, Pep Guardiola said he would never publicly criticize his players. The 53-year-old strategist would admit all his shortcomings to himself when the results were not good. This time, the phrase "not good enough" from Pep was considered the final step for him to take all the blame on himself, so that the students behind him would not be affected.
Although Pep is currently struggling with the worst run of matches in Man City's Premier League history. However, the team's shortcomings have been seen for a long time. Because the Citizens' players are so good, plus Pep is so talented, all shortcomings will be covered by average performance. However, when the performance fluctuates, all weaknesses are exposed.
From the lack of a left-back, being vulnerable to conceding goals when the opponent counterattacks directly into the penalty area, the attack line having no one to share the fire with Erling Haaland,... everything has been seen since the beginning of the season. Combined with the increasingly dense match schedule, everything seems to slip out of Pep Guardiola's hands.
The upcoming break is much needed as Man City only have to play 4 games in 3 weeks. Soon, they will welcome back John Stones, the most likely person at the moment to strengthen the defense, even temporarily replacing the vacant position of Rodri.
"I'm not good enough but the team has lost 8/11 recent matches and I'm here to fix all mistakes" - Pep affirmed.
There has been much speculation about Pep's future, although his position at Etihad is still very secure. The simple reason is that Man City needs a very good coach to help the team overcome this crisis. That very good person, besides Pep Guardiola, is probably no one else.
