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Manchester City, once a dominant force in English football, is currently experiencing a challenging phase, having secured only one win in their last eleven matches across all competitions. This alarming trend has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike regarding the underlying causes of their struggles. Several factors contribute to this downturn, including injuries, tactical issues, and a lack of confidence.
Injury crisis
One of the most significant challenges facing Manchester City this season has been a series of injuries to key players. The absence of influential figures like Rodri, who is crucial in midfield, has been particularly felt. Rodri’s injury during the UEFA Euro 2024 final left a void that has proven difficult to fill, as his ability to control the game and break up opposition attacks is vital to City’s style of play. Other players, such as Savinho and Oscar Bobb, have also faced injuries, further depleting the squad’s depth.
The impact of these injuries cannot be understated; they have forced Pep Guardiola to frequently adjust his lineup and tactics, disrupting team chemistry and consistency. The lack of available options has made it harder for City to maintain their usual high standards on the pitch.
Tactical adjustments and confusion
Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach has been a hallmark of Manchester City’s success over the years. However, recent performances suggest that his strategies may not be yielding the desired results. Analysts have pointed out that City has struggled with defensive organization and has been vulnerable to counter-attacks. In particular, their recent matches have showcased lapses in concentration that have led to conceding late goals, as seen in their derby loss against Manchester United, where they surrendered a 1-0 lead in the dying minutes.
Moreover, Guardiola’s insistence on playing a possession-based game has sometimes backfired when teams press aggressively against them. The inability to adapt effectively to opponents’ tactics has resulted in dropped points in crucial matches.
Loss of confidence
The psychological aspect of football plays a significant role in a team’s performance. Following a string of poor results including heavy defeats against teams like Tottenham Hotspur (0-4) and Sporting CP (1-4) the players’ confidence appears to have waned. This loss of self-belief can create a vicious cycle; as players become more anxious about making mistakes, they may hesitate or second-guess their decisions on the field.
Former players and pundits have noted that this lack of confidence is evident in City’s play, once fluid and dynamic,now appears hesitant and disjointed. The pressure of expectations following their previous successes may also contribute to this mental block.
External factors
In addition to internal challenges, external factors such as fixture congestion and the competitive nature of the Premier League have also played a role in City’s struggles. With multiple competitions demanding attention, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cups, the squad’s fatigue can lead to diminished performances. With their recent poor performances also affecting their Champions League campaign they will need to beat PSG in their next UCL match to avoid dropping out of the competition.
Furthermore, rival teams have improved significantly over recent seasons. Clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal are now competing at higher levels, making every match more challenging for City. The increased quality across the league means that even minor lapses can lead to dropped points against lower-ranked teams.
