Manchester City has made the English Premier League (EPL) their own since the arrival of Pep Guardiola. The English champions have won the prestigious league title on six (6) different occasions in eight (8) trials since Guardiola arrived in England.
In addition to winning a whooping six league titles, including four on the trot, the club shattered several long-standing records in the league, while setting records that would be difficult to break in years to come.
Before the arrival of the Spanish coach, it was often said that the city of Manchester is ‘Red’, alluding to the colours of the club’s city rival Manchester United. But since Guardiola came on board and won a haul of titles including the UEFA Champions League, that narrative has changed.
It is now said that Manchester is ‘blue’ which represents the colors Manchester City. It has been heaven on earth in the past decade for fans of the club who have witnessed the club lift every available cup in club football competitions.
A feat that was unimaginable 20 years ago to fans of the club. But with the help of the iconic Spanish tactician, supporters of the club have enjoyed it all. But, as it is often said, no good thing lasts forever.
The club is beginning to show signs of decline which makes fanatics and critics alike question their credentials to go all the way this season. As the season progresses, Man City continue to show signs of decline, losing points to teams considered to be underdogs and struggling to score goals or pull performances consistent with the status of the club.
For the first time in his career, Pep Guardiola lost four games in a roll this season. This unwanted and abysmal record has got many saying this Spanish coach has finally lost his spark and may not recover from the negative feat.
The EPL has seen great managers come into the league and do wonders in their first few seasons but later lose their winning prowess with time. In that light, many supporters of opposing teams are saying Guardiola’s time of decline has come and he may never recover from it.
After the last defeat in the EPL, the coach granted a post-match interview that corroborated the suspicions that the club might be on a downward spiral this season. He said ‘After winning six league titles in the last seven years, maybe it’s time for another team to win’.
Many saw his remark as an honest take on the club’s current reality while many fans who have become accustomed to the club’s unusual comeback rituals from difficulties to win games and titles are having none of it. They argue that the man is playing his usual mind game.
Why is Manchester City struggling for form this season?
At the onset of the season, City displayed some impressive performances that made them emerge as favourites to win the league. They won their first three matches with a convincing scoreline and immediately became the favourite to clinch the league.
But as the season progresses, the team have become shaky and is on the verge of losing the league which they have won the last four consecutive seasons. Why are Man City struggling for form this season?
Injury to Key Players
The drop in form and points of Manchester City this season can hugely be attributed to the injury of key players. The team has seen key players suffering various injuries and being sidelined for months.
Kelvin Debruyn is the first key player to suffer a major injury this season. The Belgian is an injury-prone player and can barely go a year without suffering a recurrent injury. He is key to the City attack and without him, the team have struggled to create chances and score goals over the years.
Another important player for City who is missing in action is Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has been a consistent figure in the heart of City midfield over the years. Much of the team-play of the club revolves around him.
Rodri is largely considered to be the nucleus of the team and whenever he is missing in action, the team have struggled for form. His consistency and brilliant performances for club and country last season earned him the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
The Spanish midfielder recently suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury which has ruled him out of the season. Another player missing for City due to injury is Ruben Dias.
The Portuguese defender has proven to be a difficult wall in defence for opponents since joining the city. His absence to injury is seriously felt in Man City. Aside from injury, the team’s decline is caused by some other factors.
Lack of Motivation
After winning the league title for so many years, it is expected for the team to suffer mental fatigue at some point. This is obvious in some players who are not as motivated as they used to be.
Some players probably imagined that it was only normal for them to lose the league at some point after a series of consistent and impressive outings. This has seen some senior players relegated to the bench with the coach giving some young players the chance to help the team.
Failure of New Signings to be integrated into the System
The club brought in some new signings at the beginning of the season and these signings haven’t quite adapted so well with the style of play at City. One of such signings is Salvinho who was recruited from Girona after a stint of amazing performances in La Liga last season.
The Brazilian began the season quite remarkably but as the season unfolds, he has struggled to keep up with the level pace required to excel as a winger in the EPL. He is an amazing prospect and at only 21, He seems to have an amazing future ahead of him.
Another signing that is struggling for form is club icon, Ilkay Gudongan who returned to City this season after a short spell with Barcelona.
External Factors
Other external factors might impede City’s chances of retaining the league title this season. Clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea went back to the drawing board after last season. They made some impressive adjustments and additions to their teams.
These clubs have proven that they mean business and are ready to give Manchester City a run for their money this season.
For Manchester City to win the league for an unprecedented five (5) times in a row, the club needs to make some critical adjustments urgently while also praying for some element of luck.