Manchester City’s rivals will reach for the world’s smallest violin if Guardiola mentions injuries, given his vast financial and playing resources, but he is within his rights to mention the loss of Rodri, their most important player, for this season.
Kevin de Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have also missed matches.
And Guardiola’s future is yet to be decided, as his contract expires next June. Sports director Txiki Begiristain, a close friend from his time at Barcelona, will leave at the end of the season.
When Guardiola extended his contract with City on the previous two occasions, the club announced that in November 2020 and November 2022. He has yet to give any clues about his decision, with reports of approaches from Brazil and also England before he The FA will appoint Thomas. Tuchel.
If City were to win, there would be serenity as events unfolded behind the scenes. Instead, this will become a bigger problem unless they get out of this crisis.
And could it finally be that City’s squad needs new names and fresh hunger after winning the Champions League, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup with Guardiola?
The coach looked quite hungry on the touchline, with an energetic presence throughout. He will not accept less from his players.
If any coach or team can provide the answer to the questions he faces, it is Guardiola and Manchester City.
However, they will have to stop the decline quickly. Liverpool and Arsenal will be sniffing out the weaknesses.
