The 2024-25 season has witnessed a dramatic decline for Manchester City, once the dominant force in the Premier League. A cascade of issues has plunged Pep Guardiola’s squad into a severe crisis, from on-field performance to squad depth. Is this the beginning of the end for an era of dominance?
A Season of Disappointment
After 24 Premier League matches, Man City sits outside the top four, trailing Liverpool by 15 points (with Liverpool having played one game less). The nadir came in a crushing 1-5 defeat against Arsenal, exposing deep-rooted problems within the team.
It’s not just domestic woes; Man City has faltered across all competitions. In their last 13 games, they’ve secured only one victory while suffering nine defeats. Pep Guardiola admitted, “We have a thousand problems.”
To address the situation, Man City spent £178 million in the winter transfer window, bringing in Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez. However, a labored FA Cup win over Leyton Orient, marred by Nico Gonzalez’s underwhelming debut, showed that money alone can’t fix everything.
Aging Squad: The Root of the Problem
According to Guardiola, Man City’s squad is aging and lacks depth. Key players have logged excessive minutes over the years, leading to physical and mental fatigue. This exhaustion has resulted in errors and a loss of their trademark pressing intensity.
Rodri’s injury has exacerbated the issue, highlighting Man City’s fragility when faced with adversity. Once led by one of history’s greatest tacticians, the team now resembles a “one-man show.”
Lessons from Cristiano Ronaldo: Ageless Passion
While Man City struggles, Cristiano Ronaldo stands as a testament to determination and desire. At 40, CR7 continues to perform with the same intensity as his younger self. A disallowed goal due to offside in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Fateh showcased his enduring hunger.
Though the goal didn’t affect the outcome, Ronaldo angrily confronted the referee, reflecting his fiery personality and explaining why he remains at the top of his game.
With nearly 1,300 career appearances and close to 1,000 goals, Ronaldo has shattered countless records, becoming a global football icon. His 648 million social media followers make him the “third most populous nation” online.
A Warning from Inter Milan’s Past
Man City’s current plight mirrors Inter Milan’s 1966-67 season. Under Helenio Herrera, Inter dominated European football but suddenly collapsed, losing their edge and failing to reclaim past glories.
Like Inter, Man City faces a crisis fueled by injuries and aging stars. Defensive lapses, ineffective pressing, and a defeated mindset have stripped the team of its identity.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment
Can Man City overcome this crisis? Or does this mark the end of Pep Guardiola’s reign? Answers will emerge after two crucial UEFA Champions League clashes against Real Madrid. Trailing 2-3 from the first leg at Etihad, the task ahead is daunting.
History shows champions often rebound from setbacks. Liverpool faced similar struggles in 2020 but finished third. Can Man City rewrite their story?
Will Pep Guardiola find the energy and creativity to restore Man City’s dominance? For fans, this is a time for patience and hope.
References:
- dantri.com.vn
- Statistics from the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
