Since Rodri’s ACL injury, this season has proved to be a humbling experience for Manchester City. They have regularly lost and even more so in important matches.
Their most recent loss against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has made the current season one to forget for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Madrid destroyed them at Santiago Bernabeu by virtue of Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick last Wednesday, February 19.
They are effectively out of the title race in the Premier League as well.
Failing to win the FA Cup will mean that the Cityzens will endure a trophyless season – their first since the 2014-15 one.
Not to mention that Manchester City have won a Champions League and six Premier League titles in the last seven seasons.
In Rodri’s absence, City have looked vulnerable repeatedly.
Their passing has often lacked the machine-like efficiency that typified it previously and their overall game has seriously lacked the cutting edge.
In such a scenario, pride and a top-four finish are all Manchester City should look for.
A major rebuilding is also on the card for the upcoming season, with stalwarts like Kevin de Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovačić and Ederson all probably scheduled to leave.
The Rebuilding has Started for Manchester City Already
The reigning Premier League champions have already brought in players like Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov to bolster their squad in the January transfer window.
However, a previous acquisition like Matheus Nunes has proven to be less effective than Guardiola had thought.
The Spaniard has himself signed a contract extension but should have his job cut out in the event of a number of senior players leaving the club ahead of next season.
Most of the young players signed by the Cityzens are yet to prove themselves on a consistent basis.
Moreover, a younger player like Phil Foden has not quite been able to step up his performance. The performance graph of Rúben Dias and Manuel Akanji has also seen a downward trend.
Nathan Aké will also turn 30 this year and might not go on to play for Manchester City much longer.
All of that means that Manchester City might need more than a transfer window to complete an overhaul of their squad.
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Guardiola’s Men Will Want to Ensure Top-Four Finish
A top-four finish is the bare minimum the English champions will hope to have in the Premier League.
They are already in the fourth position, but impending matches against Liverpool and Newcastle United should prove to be quite critical for them in determining whether they can hold on to their position.
In such a scenario, it will be critical for Guardiola to inspire his wards to come up with an improved performance.
The one against Real Madrid was one to be forgotten and put behind. It is time for City to get their edge back, albeit with the continued absence of their Ballon d’Or winner.
Their match against Liverpool at Etihad on Sunday, February 23 will give them an opportunity to bounce back.
The job will not be easy against Arne Slot’s rampant side, but the Cityzens cannot afford to cite Liverpool’s great form as an excuse.
It remains to be seen if their players have enough left in them to salvage the season.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 15.02.2025