Pep Guardiola, recognized for his tactical brilliance, now faces a turning level – after a humbling 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday that prolonged Manchester City’s winless streak to seven matches, a stark distinction to the once-unbeatable aspect he constructed.
For the primary time in his tenure, Guardiola faces his longest stretch of poor outcomes.
But as he stood within the Anfield tunnel, emotional but defiant, the City supervisor made it clear: it is time to reset.
“We start from here,” he said, referring to the team’s bleak run. “We are not used to this. Many things are happening, and the teams are good. We can’t handle it right now, and I need to find a solution to stabilize us.”
Guardiola’s phrases hinted at each frustration and willpower, but in addition uncertainty.
As City gears up for Wednesday’s essential house match in opposition to Nottingham Forest, questions loom: Is he speaking about including new signings in January to repair the injury-hit and fatigued squad? Or is Guardiola referencing the potential fragility of his personal place, particularly if City’s struggles proceed?
Guardiola’s response to Anfield’s taunts, holding up six fingers as a reminder of his six Premier League titles, was a refined declaration that he’s not prepared to surrender simply but.
But with City 11 factors behind Liverpool, a seventh title appears out of attain this season.
Despite the setbacks, Guardiola stays hopeful, drawing some confidence from latest coaching classes and the return of key gamers like Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku.
There was additionally some struggle proven within the second half at Anfield, although Liverpool appeared content material to counterattack and by no means really felt threatened.
“Call me delusional,” Guardiola stated, “but I feel we’ll rebuild our confidence and start winning again.”
The upcoming match in opposition to Forest, nevertheless, may make or break that optimism.
Forest, who’ve already handed Liverpool their solely loss this season, current a problem, and supervisor Nuno Espirito Santo isn’t any stranger to upsetting City, having carried out so with Wolves.
“Let’s not forget City are the champions,” Espirito Santo stated. “It’s going to be tough, but we’ll take lessons from others who have done well against them.”
Guardiola’s tactical adjustments may very well be pivotal.
Grealish would possibly shift to a extra central position, doubtlessly as a No. 10, whereas Kevin De Bruyne may very well be primed for his first begin since September.
Midfield stays the first concern, with Rodri and Mateo Kovacic’s absence leaving a big hole.
With City’s struggles clear, all eyes are on Wednesday’s conflict.
A victory may reinvigorate the crew and restore some perception, particularly if Liverpool falter at Newcastle and Arsenal drop factors to Manchester United.
But on present kind, the duty appears daunting.
As pundit Jamie Carragher put it, “I think it’s almost a mini-crisis at Manchester City. City may have a fight on their hands for a top-four finish.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com