Pep Guardiola described his Manchester City as “fragile “following their collapse of a 3-0 Champions League lead against Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium, where they were also characterized as “weak” and “frail.”
The defending Premier League champions will travel to Anfield on Sunday to face their title rivals. Still, they do so amid lingering concerns about their defensive capabilities following a recent 3-3 draw that raised more questions than answers.
For the first time since May 1963, City has allowed two or more goals in six consecutive matches across all competitions.
Moreover, they have lost the ability to secure victories, even in the most advantageous situations.
Erling Haaland’s decisive goal in the 53rd minute, which extended the lead to 3-0 against Feyenoord, suggested that the hosts were on track to end a troubling streak of five consecutive defeats.
In a surprising turn of events, the 2023 European Cup winners squandered two crucial points, resulting in a chorus of boos from the crowd as they left the pitch at full-time.
“They appear weak, they seem light, they come across as frail,” remarked former England captain Alan Shearer, who was at the Etihad Stadium for Amazon Prime.
With just two minutes remaining and a score of 3-2 in their favor, the team opted for a quick free-kick. What is the reason behind this? Dominate the competition. Their position was notably comfortable.
Guardiola expressed clear frustration with his team after they squandered a three-goal advantage.
During his post-match interview with Amazon Prime, the former Barcelona manager displayed several scratch marks on his forehead.
During a recent news conference, Guardiola addressed reporters’ inquiries regarding a noticeable mark on his nose, stating, “I cut it with my finger, my nail.”
Guardiola desired to “harm himself,” followed by another disappointing result, before breaking into laughter and exiting the news conference.
Since their last victory on 26 October, a narrow 1-0 win against struggling Southampton, the team still needs to maintain a clean sheet.
In a surprising turn of events, the team has conceded 17 goals throughout six matches. This statistic starkly contrasts the defensive solidity that has characterized their success under Guardiola.
“I’m not sure if it’s a psychological issue,” Guardiola remarked.
“The match started positively at 3-0, with solid performance, but we ultimately conceded several goals due to a lack of stability.” The initial item was provided first, followed by the subsequent one, contributing to the challenges faced. The current circumstances remain unchanged. “We performed well but cannot afford to make mistakes at this level.”
The city faces significant challenges as it strives to evade a potentially undesirable two-legged play-off in February, which is crucial for advancing to the last 16.
The team must secure a position in the top eight to guarantee automatic advancement to the knockout stage; however, following Tuesday’s match, they currently find themselves in 15th place. Their position could deteriorate further following the matches on Wednesday.
City will face two challenging matches, first against Juventus on December 11 and then against Paris St-Germain on January 22, before they host Club Brugge on January 29.
“At this moment, I am not prepared to consider that [the necessity of winning their final three games to secure a top-eight finish],” Guardiola stated.
Recovery and preparation for the upcoming game are essential. “If we cannot secure victories in matches like we did today, achieving success becomes challenging.”
City missing ‘vocal leader’
Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol’s transfer to Manchester City from RB Leipzig in August 2023 was finalised for a fee of £77 million.
The player faced significant challenges during the 4-0 home loss to Tottenham over the weekend and was responsible for errors leading to Feyenoord’s first and second goals on Tuesday.
Gvardiol’s ill-timed backpass proved costly, enabling Anis Hadj Moussa to intercept and maneuver around Ederson, ultimately netting Feyenoord’s opening goal.
Typically, that would have served as a simple consolation, allowing City to secure the victory. However, Gvardiol found himself in another troubling situation just eight minutes before the final whistle.
Once more, he surrendered possession, allowing Feyenoord to capitalize on the opportunity. A well-placed ball was sent into the box, where Jordan Lotomba unleashed a shot that struck the post and veered across the goal line, allowing substitute Santiago Gimenez to chest it in for the score.
“A humorous defensive blunder by Josko Gvardiol opened the door for Feyenoord to re-enter the match, leading to a collapse,” remarked former England winger Andros Townsend during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.
Defensive weaknesses of this magnitude have yet to be observed from Manchester City in the past. It is a recurring theme in each of their recent games. Their journey was smooth and effortless. The culmination of City’s efforts has been rendered futile, intensifying the pressure as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Gael Clichy, a former Manchester City player, has expressed that the team lacks a “vocal” leader.
“You must stop making individual errors,” Clichy stated in an interview with Amazon Prime.
This has happened in the past six matches. A vocal leader appears to be absent from the group, with a formidable presence leading from behind.
Guardiola stated, “Gvardiol will learn.” While he undoubtedly stood out as the best player on the pitch, it would be misguided to single out any particular aspect of his performance.
“He is an exceptional player and a remarkable individual who, now more than ever, requires support.”
