November 27th 2024.
Pep Guardiola was visibly frustrated after Manchester City's shocking defeat against Feyenoord on Tuesday night. The game had clearly taken a toll on the Spaniard, leaving him with scratch marks on his forehead and a cut on his nose. This was the first time in his career that his team failed to win after leading by three goals, and it was clear that something was not right.
City's recent form has been disappointing, with six winless matches and consecutive games where they conceded two or more goals. This is a worrying trend for a team that is used to breaking records, but not in a positive way. And the challenges do not get any easier for Guardiola, as his team now has to face Liverpool in a crucial Premier League match. A loss would put them 11 points behind and possibly out of the title race.
So, what can Guardiola do to turn things around? One option could be to trust Manuel Akanji in the midfield again. With Rodri out for the season and Matteo Kovacic also unavailable, the team has been struggling in the defensive midfield role. Ilkay Gundogan has been filling in, but his lack of height and declining abilities have left the team vulnerable. Akanji, who has played in this position before, could provide a more physical presence and help stabilize the team.
Another change Guardiola could make is to rest Kyle Walker and give him a break from the constant pressure. The full-back has been an integral part of Guardiola's team, but he has started to show signs of his age in recent performances. Bournemouth and Tottenham both targeted his side of the field, and he was unable to keep up with the pace. Giving him some time off could benefit both him and the team.
Lastly, Guardiola may want to go back to the attacking style that City is known for. Despite scoring twice in the last game, their star striker, Erling Haaland, has only scored two goals in the last seven matches. This is a concern, especially with limited options in the attacking lineup. One solution could be to have the wingers provide width instead of the full-backs, which could help create more chances and get Haaland back to his scoring ways.
It remains to be seen what changes Guardiola will make, but it is clear that he needs to find a solution soon. Otherwise, City's hopes for a successful season may fade away before Christmas.
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